172 Ti -ansae tions . — Miscellaneous . 



the subject of this note in his paper in the " Polynesian Journal," 

 vol. x., page 137, where he states that the posts were to be seen 

 some forty years ago. 



Among the various tribes that held Hataitai during its 

 varied history were the Ngatikahungunu (ungunu, garment of 

 the dwarf), whose descendants are to be found in the Wairarapa 

 to-day. Of this tribe, the Hinepari (daughter of the cliff) were 

 a sub-tribe. Under the chief Te Rahui (prohibited) this sub- 

 tribe built Maupuia (hold to the scrub). There were several 

 attacks made on the pa, but the besieged were able to beat 

 their enemies off. The uncovering of human bones during the 

 excavation of a site for Mr. Bell's house on the ridge, about 

 20 chains to the southwards, may be an evidence of one of these 

 battles. Kokotahi (one tui) and Te Taniwha (goblin) were 

 battles fought on the waters of Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington 

 Harbour), in which the Hinepari defeated their old enemies the 

 Ngatiapa. 



It was not the custom of the dwellers on the Miramar 

 Peninsula to fortify their pas with earthworks, for the reason 

 that rocky formation is met with under the subsoil. This 

 makes it difficult to identify the site of pas. There are no 

 indications of earthworks at Maupuia. Maupuia was situated 

 on the narrowest part of the ridge overlooking Miramar Wharf, 

 in Evans Bay. The spot is within three miles of the General 

 Post Office, Wellington, as the crow flies, and the main road to 

 Worser Bay runs below. 



Upon searching for indications which would show exactly 

 the site of Maupuia, the first evidence found was that of a large 

 lima, or oven, which had been uncovered on the northern edge 

 of the large cutting which gives access to the grassy flats formerly 

 the bed of the Para Lagoon (named Burnham Water by Colonel 

 Wakefield in 1840). It is upon the south side of the cutting, 

 however, that the pa was built. 



The recent subdivision (October, L902) of Miramar enables 

 me to give very exactly the spots where the posts and kumara- 

 pits about to be described are situated. In the plan of the 

 subdivision of Miramar and Evans Bay Estate, Queen's Terrace 

 commences not far from Evans Bay wharf, at the southern 

 boundary of Section 26, Block A. 6ft. from the south-western 

 corner peg of this section a totara post was found, the top of 

 winch was level with the ground. When unearthed it was 

 found to be in an excellent state of preservation. There were no 

 marks of tools upon it. At the bottom it was charred. From 

 the fact of its being also charred on top it is inferred that the 

 palisade of the pa was burned. The dimensions are: Length, 

 \ ft. II in.: girth, I It. Alter a month's exposure its weigh.1 



