I 
-~I 
4 
CUSTOMS AND SUPERSTITIONS OF THE MAORI. 
NOTES. 
(1.) Whawharua.—Holes in which taro are planted. These holes were of 
two kinds—(1) The whakarua-kawau, a deep hole in which the taro grew 
in an elongated form—(2) Ipurangi, a shallow hole in which the taro grew 
round and compact. 
(2.) The reason for allowing but a single taro to grow in each hole was 
that it might grow large and thus be capable of giving force to the karakia 
(incantations) which were to be repeated over them by the tohunga (priest), 
Te Hahae. When the tavo were formed on the root, the hole was opened 
and all but one taken away, as also many of the rootlets or fibres. The 
old leaves would be taken from the plant and placed in the hole around the 
single taro, and the hole again filled up. Thus all the vigour of the plant 
was expended in the production of one fine taro. 
(3.) Whata puaroa.—This appears to be some sacred portion of a priest’s 
house or place used as an altar. 
(4.) Mara tautane.—A small plot of ground in which is grown the kumara 
set apart for the gods, 7.e., the first fruits. 
No. 4.—PICTORIAL ART OF THE AUSTRALIAN 
ABORIGINES. 
By R. H. Matuews, LS. 
(Read Friday, January 7, 1898.) 
No. 5.—AUSTRALIAN INITIATION CEREMONIES. 
By R. H. Maruews, LS. 
(Read Friday, January 7, 1898.) 
No. 6.—THE DIALECTICAL CHANGES OF THE 
INDO-POLYNESTANS. 
By Rey. 8. Exua. 
(Read Saturday, January 8, 1898.) 
