314 



Transactions . 



and are usually from 5 ft. to 6 ft. long and 18 in. to 2 ft. 6 in. in diameter 

 at the widest part. One end is secured tight by a lid ; the other 

 returns inwards by a neat curve as a funnel, and finishes with an opening 

 3 in. or so in diameter about 1 ft. or 18 in. down the net. Hinaki were 

 formerly chiefly constructed of aerial roots of kiekie (Freycinetia Banksii) 

 steeped in water till pliable, and were light, strong, and flexible ; but I 

 am informed that the akatea vine (Metros id eras albiflora) and aka tororaro 

 gave the best results both as regards strength and lasting qualities. The 

 pohue vine (Calystegia sepium) was also used in the construction of the 

 hinaki, but was called aka korewa when so used. Another vine, growing on 

 stony plains, was also used for fine work and flexible springy baskets, but 

 my informant was unable to remember the name. The kiekie, probably 

 the most common, being the easiest to procure, was also the poorest, as 



Fig. 9. — Types of hinaki : a, hinaki herehere ; b, hinaki tatairangi ; 

 C, hinaki waharoa or hinaki aranvi. 



even with care it only lasted from five to seven years. Sometimes in a 

 pattern called pakipaki thin manuka was used for the long strips which 

 were laced on to kareao hoops with small vines, but I have never seen a 

 basket made in that manner, although 1 understand they were common. 

 In these modern days kareao and sometimes even wire netting are easily 

 obtained substitutes, and it seems to me that the days of the old-time 

 hinaki are numbered. Indeed, as European ideas and methods are gradu- 

 ally growing into favour and practice with the Maori, the old systems of 

 obtaining food are gradually falling into disuse. Twenty-five years ago 

 pa-tuna were common enough in almost every river and stream on the 

 west coast of the North Island ; now there are only two in the Whanganui, 

 practically the home of the pa-tuna, and 1 do not think that farther south 

 even one will he found. 



