MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 April 1938, Page 5

MAORI MEMORIES.

FISHING (HI). (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Throughout the wide world, ancient or modern, all primitive people use precisely the same means of procuring fish for food from river, lake, or sea. The Maori invariably began his day’s fishing with a solemn religious ceremony. Te ika tuapora (first fish) was thrown back to the water, whatever its description. On returning to the Pa, each fishing party found three Umu (earth ovens) ready heated, one for their gods, one for the priests, and one for all.

The means by which fish were caught were hooks, nets, baskets, wiers, spears,. and • hands. Hooks with barbed points were made of the bones of the Moa, other birds, or of an enemy slain in battle, also hard wood, and shell. A bait of shining paua shell, iridescent feathers, or glow worms, was an efficient lure. Tribal nets, for a sheltered sandy sea shore, 1000 yards long and seven feet wide, were operated by 500 men or women.

Wiers of posts and supplejack were laced across a river or an arm of the sea. Eelsr and patiki (flounder) were speared, netted, or caught by hand under torch light. On sandy river sides, glowing fires attracted huge eels to lay their heads above the water line in the light and warmth, seemingly asleep. A smart rap on the back would. break their necks, and make them an easy prey. Divers picked up large Koura (crayfish) from the rocks.

In the preservation and storage of fish and birds for food supplies, by means of smoke, fire, sunshine, and sea salt, the Maori became' expert. In this and the cooking we could learn much from’ them.