160 Transactions. 



tapu. as has birth. In entering and leaving the world man is 

 under strong tapu. 



But the tribe is waiting for the last words, the dying speech 

 of our tupapaku (sick person). They have gathered to attend 

 his death-bed — i.e., to whakahemohemo him. Prior, however 

 to this last farewell the sick man has called his family around 

 him— i.e., the gens, or family group— and has expressed to them 

 his wishes as to the disposal of his personal property, his interests 

 in tribal lands, &c, so that no trouble may ensue in regard to 

 the same after his death. 



It must here be borne in mind that the Maori, being unac- 

 quainted with any graphic system, made all important arrange- 

 ments such as the above by means of explaining them in a formal 

 speech to his people or tribe or subtribe. The disposal of his 

 property by a dying person in the above manner was equivalent 

 to the making of his will. Such an arrangement would stand 

 good, and be respected by the people, because it had been ex- 

 plained in the presence of the tribe or clan, as custom demanded. 

 It was therefore a legal act. 



' I speak of the days of old. When a man was near death, 

 his people collected around him when they knew that he was 

 about to leave them. The people assemble before him in the 

 marae [plaza], they greet their passing chief : ' sir, greetings 

 to you ! We wish you to speak to your tribe, to your family, to 

 your offspring.' The patriarch speaks : ' When my face is lost 

 to your sight, live peacefully with each other. Ever remem- 

 ber the persons who brought evil, and peace, into this world, 

 as seen in Aotea-roa [New Zealand]. The evil came from Tu 

 and Tangaroa, from Tane and Tawhirimatea ; while peace and 

 prosperity originated with Rongo and Haumia, with Ioio-whenua 

 and Putehue. This [peace] is what you must hold to and pre- 

 serve, as a means of salvation for the tribe in the time that lies 

 before, as a treasure for the people, as a means towards peace- 

 fulness. Then shall the result be a treasured home, domestic 

 peace, and a peaceful land. Troubles shall not assail you/ 

 Before the people of Hawaiki came hither to Aotea-roa peace 

 prevailed in this land, and the men of old strove to preserve 

 such peace. Observe the words of Toi the Wood-eater, when 

 he, a dying man, addressed his peoples. The tribes of Toi 

 were assembled to say farewell to him, the lord of many clans. 

 There were seen the Tururu-mauku, the Tini-o-te-Marangaranga, 

 the Tini-o-Tuoi, the Rarauhe-maemae, the Kokomuka-tu-tara- 

 whare, the Raupo-ngaueue, and many others. The Maranga- 

 ranga greeted the old chief: '0 sir, greetings to you!' And 

 Toi said, ' Be careful to preserve the peace and prosperity 

 handed down to you by your ancestors. Respect the behests 



