MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 December 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) TABLOIDS. Roto Iti — A narrow lake when brought to view, And narrow ’tis I say to you. Rotoma — White lake with shell and limestone strewn, And white beneath the sun and moon. Roto Ehu — Thy name, ’tis turbid lake aright, For thou art turbid to the sight.

Roto Mahana — Warm lake, thou too are rightly called, Whose waters boil and melting scald.

Roto A Ira — A dotted lake of isles is here, Well known to hardy mountaineer.

Waikari — Expansive surfaced water this, A lake of beauty, myths and bliss

Ruapehu — The belching chamber of this mount, Is snow wrapped to its steaming fount.

Tarawera — This lake, adjoining mountain names, whose heated peak gave fiery flames.

Waiwera— Hot water, neither less than more, Discharged at times with belching roar.

Horo Whenua — Earth swallower, thy falling shows A subsidence thy shores disclose.

O Ma Pere — Of and for Pere, ejecting force When Pere runs her fiery course.

Taka PunaRim cratered spring whose awesome deeps Reveals old Vulcan’s busy steeps.