POLYNESIAN PEOPLE

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1928, Page 3

POLYNESIAN PEOPLE

INVESTIGATION OF FOLK LORE. AUCKLAND, Oct. 1. “I have just been cruising through the Hawaiian islands and round about the Polynesian groups with the idea of endeavouring to trace some semblance of the relationship between the islands and the North American Indians,” said Miss Isobel Larsen, of New York, who arrived in Auckland t>bis afternoon by the Tof ua. Miss Larsen is a member of the American Indian Protection Association. She has spent a number of years living amongst the Indians on reservations in the south-western section. She is a tramper, and instead of using modern methods of transport, prefers to, as she describes it “hike through the country.” $ When Miss Larsen landed in Suva she made arrangements to study the natives of the Fiji Islands in a similar manner, and walked for considerable distances, putting up at night in various native villages.

Speaking of Polynesian folk lore. Miss Larsen said it was most difficult k> get anything definite and this was in strange contrast to her work and success among the Indians, whom she thought the most charming people she had yet visited. ‘‘But,” she,:added, ‘‘l b a ve heard such a lot about the -Maoris that I feel sure that after I have finished my two months’ sojourn in New Zealand I shall go away well satisfied with the result of my labours., It is my intention to walk throrigli the UiCwera Country, and I hope to do much ‘hiking’ in the South Island. While in Honolulu I was very interested to gather information Concerning the migration of the Maoris to these southern parts.” •