THE CAMP OF THE GODS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8998, 7 December 1907, Page 7

THE CAMP OF THE GODS.

TO BE SEARCHED FOR. In Maori mythological history, writes our Wairarapa correspondent, there is' reference to a great god, who acted as a sort of winged transnovt between the North and' South Islands. The writer is not certain that Rau-Kau-Moana ran his aerial service only between the North and South Islands—i'; might have been between the South Pole and Cape Maria van Diemen, but there is absolutely no doubt, according to Maori tradition, that there was a service which was controlled by this particular god. Rau-Kau-Moana sometimes did the trip by himself—presumably when he was attempting records—but more often he carried weight in the person of some unfortunate individual who wished to escape the cannibalistic frailties of his victorious enemies. On the journeys up the Wairarapa, Rau-Kau-Moana frequently put up in the vicinity of Pahiatua, hence the name Pahi (camp or home), Atua (god). It is believed that tha resting place was a little hill near Konini (overtaking the present town of Pahiatua), after which Rau-Kau-Moana and his living freight descended into a cave, where no doubt they had refreshments. The cave is said to lie in a portion of the scenic reserve, and the Government Department interested has decided to institute a search for the historic spot. Mr J. B. Sutherland, Crown Lands Ranger, will therefore visit Pahiatua next week in order to ascertain if there is any connecting linkgeographically between the aerial navigation of Rau-Kau-Moana and the present day. The result wiil be awaited with interest by all students of Maori lore. —"Dominion,"