MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 March 1940, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

CONTRASTS (KE). (Recorded by J.H.S. for the "Times-Age.'') One of the most striking evidences of the fiery forces of nature was Ngahapu (the breaths of past genrations), aptly named by pioneers “The Devil’s Blow Hole.” Thirty feet across the circular boiling cauldron was a dark pile of rocks from which came the loudest constant, roaring, hissing sounds we had ever heard. It resembled the emission of steam from an overcharged railway engine, so loud that no sound of any voice could be heard. At short intervals loud blasts as of thunder shook the earth under our feet. Near by lay the lake of green slimy water devoid of beauty except for the margin of well grown manuka hiding it from any outside view. Its Maori name Waikanapanapa (shining fire and water) indicated a volcanic origin. A violent bubbling lakelet near by emitted a groaning sound, which seemed to indicate to the Maori that even what we referred to as “the bowels of the earth” must have “a pain in its belly.” The transformation from the heavenly beauties of the White Terraces to these realms of Hades was a shock.