Many Versions Recorded

Te Ao Hou, March 1965, Page 6

Many Versions Recorded The spell must be an ancient one, for it has been recorded, with some variants, in many different parts of the country (see, for example, Richard Taylor's ‘Te Ika a Maui’, p. 171, and Elsdon Best's article ‘Maori Forest Lore’ in the ‘Transactions of the New Zealand Institute’, vol. 40, p. 192. John White, in his unpublished papers, gives a Ngapuhi version of it). Some of these ancient shrines are still known today, one of the most famous being the tree Hinehopu on Hongi's Track. Another well-known one, Hatupatu's rock at Atiamuri, is mentioned in an article on page 11 of this issue of Te Ao Hou. It would be interesting to hear from readers who could tell us of other such places in their own districts. Why not send a note to Te Ao Hou, at Box 2390, Wellington. the christchurch maoris' National Marae Organisation has bought an acre of city land on which to build a community centre. the new principal of Te Wai Pounamu Maori Girls' College in Christchurch is Miss A. Wederell, who for three years has been first assistant at the college. The former principal, Miss E. M. Trounce, retired last year. mr j. t. piki, a Waipukurau businessman who for many years has given outstanding service to the Returned Servicemen's Association in his district, was recently awarded the association's merit badge and certificate, in recognition of his work for the organisation. The award was presented at a special function held in his honour. Mr Piki, a member of the Ngaitahu tribe, comes originally from Tuahiwi, North Canterbury.