146 Transactions. — Miscellaneous. 
217. Hehua pona nui ! 
 Rehua (causing) big joints ! 
Rehua is one of the larger planets (possibly Mars or J upiter), and when 
seen in summer, in time of heats and droughts, this saying is used ; as then 
men grow thin (substantial vegetable food being scarce), and their joints 
protrude and look large. Rehua is a famed star (planet) with the old New 
Zealanders,—many things are said of it; some of which, however, belong 
to a noted chief of that name of the olden time. (Vide proverb 161, ante). 
218. Takurua hupe nui ! 
Takurua (causing) watery nose ! 
This saying is in opposition to the last one, conveyed in the same semi- 
metrical manner, and is highly expressive of the cold raw weather in 
winter. Takurua being also one of their names for the winter season 
(indeed with the Southern Maoris the only one), at which time the old 
Maoris, slightly clothed, must have suffered much annoyance in the way 
alluded to. Takurua* is the name of a star which rises in the winter. 
219. Ka mate he tete, ka tupu he tete. 
One duck dies, another duck is hatched. (Spatula variegata.) 
Meaning : Man dies, and another comes in his place. 
Reminding of Homer (Iliad VI.) :—'* As is the race of leaves, such is that 
of men; one springs up and the other dies." And of our English saying :— 
** As good fish in the sea as ever came out of it. 
220. He huruhuru te manu ka vere: he ao te rangi ka uhia. 
When the bird has feathers it flies away ; when the sky has clouds 
it is obscured. 
Lit. The fledged bird flies; the clouded sky (is) covered. 
Meaning: Great changes soon arise. Circumstances alter cases. 
XIII. A FEW very BRIEF AND PITHY Savings (AS A SAMPLE). 
221. Hae totara — Forehead as hard as the totara wood. 
Spoken of a liar; and of an unabashed, shameless person. Equivalent 
io our English Brazen-face. 
222. Tou tirairaka — Flycatcher’s tail (Rhipidura flabellifera). 
Said of a restless person who does not sit quietly in his place at their 
more important meetings. 
223. Arero rua — Double tongue. 
224, Ngakau rua = Double mind. 
Both spoken of a false promiser; of a person who says one thing, 
yet means another. 
225. He ringa whiti! 
A quiek ready hand, at reaching out, across, or over. 
* Note on preceding page. 
