798 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION F, 
No. 10.—A FEMALE HERMIT OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC. 
By the late Rev. W. Wyatr Git, B.A., LL.D. 
(Read Monday, January 10, 1898.) 
THE island Atiu, in the Hervey Group, is famous for its caverns, 
the largest of which is called Anataketake. To enter this vast 
temple of Nature, it is necessary to descend about 20 feet through 
a chasm in the rocks, at the bottom of which are several majestic 
openings. Innumerable small birds breed in this cave. With 
the aid of flambeaux, it is possible to travel a mile underground 
amid its almost interminable windings. Water continually drips 
from the arched roof, which is from 10 to 15 feet thick, and is 
supported by superb columns of stalactite. From the glittering 
floor, which presents a wavy appearance, rise less attractive 
stalagmites. ‘The fretwork ceiling sparkling in the light of torches 
is a sight never to be forgotten. A lake abounding in eels and 
shrimps occupies the centre. 
The story of the discovery of the Cave Anataketake is very 
romantic. A woman named Inutoto, being cruelly beaten by her 
husband, wished effectually to hide herself away. In looking 
about for a place of concealment she came upon this wonderful 
cavern, and lived there in utter solitude for many years. She 
found no difficulty in sustaining life. Her now repentant husband 
sought for her in vain, and then mourned for her as dead. 
Eventually a man in chase of a bird—the woodpecker—discovered 
the cave, and then the hermit, who was thus restored to her 
husband, Paroro. Her song, composed in the cave, has been care- 
top) 
fully handed down by tradition, I subjoin :— 
SONG OF INUTOTO, THE HERMIT. 
INTRODUCTION. 
Patapu ei, patapu ei, 
Akariki i te matangi, 
Te naku nei i te tane! 
EK utu matangi e, 
E mavake te kau, 
Kua akaipoi ra i te vaine 
Aru marama ki te tane ! 
Rai oti ei, 
Akariki 1 te matangi, 
Akariki i te matangi, 
Ki te marangai tai, 
Kia ana mai ake a Paroro e, 
Hi rave ake 1 tona vaine, 
Te naku nei ki te tane ra. 
My person is sacred, very sacred. 
Awake some favouring breeze ; 
I am sorrowing for my husband. 
FIRST STANZA, 
Oh, for asteady breeze, 
Directed by the gods ! 
Great is the misery of her 
Who counts her widowed moons ! 
Tn all thy might 
Awake thou favouring wind ; 
Yes; awake thou favouring wind ; 
Some easterly breeze ; 
So that Paroro may come 
And be re-united to the wife 
Who is sorrowing for her husband. 
