MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 January 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

FOOD JOURNEYS.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) ponsidering the limited supplies of root crops, except aruhe (edible fern root), the preservation of winter food was an art of the most vital importance. The arrival of the kumara (sweet tuber), and later of the taiawa (potato) and kaanga (maize) were of great benefit to the family and tribal larder. Fish were netted in the harbours in vast quantities, and preserved on the I spot by repeated dips in salt water and drying in the sun to cover them with a crust of salt, then smoking them over a wood fire. Eels, flounders and minnows were preserved in their oil, and birds in the same way. Of edible birds at sea and land there were fortunately vast numbers. Mutton birds, attracted and dazed by blazing fires on the cliffs' at night, were taken by hand or knocked down with sticks in thousands. Pigeons, parrots and quail were snared. The skins were preserved or the feather mats used for clothing. In these tribal journeys for winter food each man bore his weapons and nets, each woman potatoes and mats. In addition, many of them drove a tame pig for emergency rations: some with a rope tied to a fore leg. others taught to follow for a scrap of potato at intervals. Some served as-“pack horses.” the better trained ones rewarded by prolonged life to carry the immense packs of dead birds on the homeward journey. In these most necessary summer expeditions, the devotion of the Maori to I harakeke (flax) and its dressed pro- I duct (muka), was fully justified. With- I out them, there could be no nets lines, ■ I ropes, harness or clothing.