Superstition Revived.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3558, 22 May 1880, Page 2

Superstition Revived.

A STORY OF THE PAST.

The natives of Now Zealand, whose origin is enveloped in the haze of obscurity, like other barbaric peoples are extremely rich in mythological lore. The legends which are now handed down to us, are all replete with interest, as showing the varied notions and theological opinions of the Maories prior to the civilising influence and advent of the British. Some of them are' extremely curious, and the incongruity of the legendary inscriptions of the different hapus, affords material for investigation and the consideration of antiquaries. One of the legends held by the Maories serves to show that one of their tribes were worshippers of sea fish, and prayed to them as their aluas. There is only a few of the tribe in existence at the present time, and they are a branch of the Ngatihaka tribe, living np the Thames river. The legend runs, that whenever a prominent member o£ the tribe died, their gods sent a representative to be present at the tangi, and they always propitiated the fishes before going on a sea voyage, as they believed that intheevent of a storm the gods would come to their rescue. Following up this superstition, it is certainly a peculiar coincidence that wheu a chief of their tribe diad a few years ago, a large dog-fish was thrown up on the beach. The Maories looked upon this as a message of condolence from the gods. A few months ago Potai, after undergoing a dangerous operation, succumbed to the Great Destroyer, and joined the vast majority. The whale that has been thrown on the beach off the Miranda is consequently looked upon by them as another visit from their god. The other tribes have seceded from the belief of their ancestors, and joined the Christian church, and the gods have therefore deserted them. This remnant of the tribe has held tenaciously to the belief -entertained by former generations, and the gods reward them for their fidelity by paying respect to the departed members of the hapu. '.■.