HORI KEREI'S JOURNAL.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2376, 16 June 1866, Page 5

HORI KEREI'S JOURNAL.

(To theUditoroftlie'WßVLiiaaTOS Independent.) Sic, — Your correspondent " A." objects to the translation of the word "Reinga," as given in Hori Kerei's journal being interpreted into the English word "Hell," and give 3as a reason " that the word hell is used in the Engh'sh Bible and Prayer-book to mean ' the word of departed spirits."' On what authority does "A." make this statement ? the word mnj be so used in the Roman Catholic Bible and Prayer-book, but certainly is not in that of the Church of England. Referring to " Johnson" I find the meaning is given as " the residence of wicked spirits." Will " A." teil your readers what other word in the Maori language is used by the natives, either when speaking or wriling, as. expressive of our word "hell?" I admit that it is not a word " coined" for the purpose, but neither is the Maori world " Ranji" — which is now, as " A." well knows, univeraally used by the natives for " heaven.'' If Rewi had used that word "Ranji," instead of " E,ein<fM," how would " A." interpret the sentence P Perhaps the latter word was an accidental slip of his tongue. I can only add that;, in my-opinion, Mr. Haralin's interpretation is correct, and would be accepted as such by every native in the island. I am, Si i 1 , &;*., Another Pakeha Maobi. Wellington, June 13. v