MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 January 1940, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

WAKA TATAU. What would appear to be a laborious or even an impossible task to European workmen with steel implements, planning, shaping, and launching a 70-foot Maori war canoe, which had to be drawn through a forest of undergrowth for a mile or more, was to every Maori a matter of pride and pleasure ,for years. A sound straight grained giant Kauri or a Totara, not less than 20 feet in girth and 80 in length had to be chosen. A space was cleared and planted for a year's food to keep 100 men. women and children. Houses were built and stone implements ground by hand. To fall the tree with these chisels and adzes (purupuru and papu) aided by fire, occupied several months. To shape the huge vessel and balance it evenly required skill and patience for a longer period. The figure head and stern post elaborately carved eight feet high was the work of an old white headed carver (Kai Whakairo). The purpose of the protruding tongue and bulging eyes of the Whiro (Demon) on the figure head is to strike fear upon the hearts of their credulous enemies. Throughout its length each side was studded with pupu paua (glistening shell). Many of these big canoes carry fifty paddlers on each side. Like the workers in every capacity, their movements and singing are in perfect unison, resulting in a maximum capacity. The Chief stood erect al' the bow facing the paddlers. leading the singing, and each stroke of the hoe (paddle) with his voice and arm. Sails are used on long trips in fair winds, and are made of flax leaves on frames of Kareao (supplejack).