MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 October 1938, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

NGAHEREHERE (Forest). (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) In no other country is there such a variety of evergreen trees completely intermingled as in New Zealand. No one tree dominates as in other countries. Their vigorous growth shows not only that they have soil of exceptional fertility suitable for all, but that the forest was a subject of protection and worship by the Maoris. Rata, rimu, totara, tawa, titoki, ponga, nikau, with many other trees and shrubs mingle closely, so no storm or drought can affect their vigorous growth. No frost can injure the delicate fronds of fern or the leaves of the young plants, for the spread -of evergreen foliage overtops all. The Aka (creepers) of many varieties form hanging gardens of surpassing beauty with a bed of delicate ferns as their starting point. Here’ and there one comes across a dell with its group of nikau palm resembling a tropical forest quite unknown in Europe or Asia, the polished green of the nikau stems shining like steel. Nature thus forbids the strangle hold of the creepers which would destroy the life of these pithy stems. Only the ponga and mamaku tree ferns can rival the beauty of the nikau, theii fronds forming a bower forty feet above, with gold, silver, and bronze shades intermingling. Here, in theii hairy stems, the pike arero and the Puawananga clematis find a welcome host, adding to their beauty. Small areas of Native bush will thrive if protected against animals, a provision not made by the Great Architect. of the Universe, because there was no such enemy here.