MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 September 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

Passing maori memories HM HM MM MAORI DOG. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) The original Kuri, or Maori dog, was an ugly under-sized animal probably a degenerate by inbreeding. Each family kept its own class, having some marking or peculiar shape by which it was easily recognised. Every litter was carefully examined, and those not showing the legendary markings or shape of head, ears or tail, or not complying with the family or tribal character were operated on and used as food at maturity. The flesh was reserved for men of the aristocracy

(Rangatira). One woman alone was permitted to taste it —the lady of high birth whose male relatives were ex-

tinct, thus giving her the rank- of a queen. Dog skin mats were highly valued for their warmth and reserved for the masters; others were expected to keep warm by work and exercise. Dogs were trained as silent hunters of kiore, kiwi, kakapo, pukeko and weka. They were also trained to retrieve them alive and to avoid injury by beak or claw. The men would cleverly imitate the voice of the birds and attract them within reach of

the hidden dog. A few clever trainers even succeeded in teaching their dogs

to reproduce the bird calls including the cry of distress given by a wounded flying bird the ka ka. According to Polynesian history the Maori legends have a replica of the Irish story of a stolen sheep calling “ba, ba” in the belly of the thief. The Maori legend says the lost dog called “au, au,” in the puku of the men who had killed and eaten it. Prized for skill and bravery, certain dogs were made immune to all dangers by the sacred law of “tapu.” By varying features they were known as peropero, kuri, kirehe, or nane. I