Cotenso.—Traditions of the Maoris. 9 
When the news of her death first reached her brothers, they mourned 
greatly over their sister. Afterwards, Tawheta proceeded formally to enquire 
the particulars of the relater (of the tidings),*—‘ Why she was killed by 
him, Uenuku?” He replied, “ Because she had committed adultery with 
two men, Tumahunuku and Tumahurangi.” Then Tawheta said, ‘It is all 
right enough, no doubt, (according to his way of thinking); nevertheless, 
his doings shall be repaid him to-morrow. Verily, to-morrow he himself 
shall be eaten by grass-hoppers! Here, near me, are his food preserves, 
which will be sure to draw his children and people this way, in the season ; 
to-morrow, also, he shail be full of trouble, when he shall desire the little 
- bit of property that is lying on the ground;+ the women shall be as a cliff 
for the men to flee over!” And so this last word :(or phrase) became a 
proverbial saying ; and for a long time Tawheta dwelt quietly, brooding over 
is anger. 
Now Uenuku did not think at all of his cruel killing (kohuru), or of the 
possible consequences. Another year came round, and Uenuku had 
forgotten all about his murder. So he sent his children and people to obtain 
the fruit (or product) of his preserves at Matikotai, and at Porangahau. 
They went, a large number, both men and women, 70 in all; t { and on their 
arrival at Tawheta’s town ‘pa), he took them unawares and killed them, 
they being all unarmed and unapprehensive. Hence arose the deadly 
feud between Uenuku and Tawheta. Four of Uenuku’s sons were slain on 
this occasion, namely, Maputukiterangi, Ropanui, Mahinaiteata, and 
Whiwhingaiterangi, while the fifth, named Rongouaroa, hardly escaped 
with his life, being the only survivor of the whole party. He, however, had 
been severely wounded; his skull was hacked and broken i in, and he was left 
for dead by the foe, on the ground among the others. Tawheta and his people, 
* Heralds, or messengers, on such high occasions, acted in a very careful and formal 
ceremonious manner, and only (at first) answered the questions put to them by the chief 
of the place. Instances have been known where they have been severely beaten, and 
wounded, and even killed! at the first outbursts of grief and passion, for their sudden and 
abrupt relation of bad tidings. Hence, such news was almost invariably carried by a 
relative or a chief. 
t By ‘the property (taonga) lying on the ground,” I understand the fruits of the 
karaka trees, which were rigidly preserved, and were gathered up in large quantities to be 
stored or food in the late autumn season. (See “Trans. N. Z. Inst.,” Vol. XIII, p. 25, 
last paragraph). The close of Tawheta’s passionate sentence may have reference to his 
slain sister, or to the women who would be sure to come thither in the karaka gathering 
party. At all events, the meaning is,—a full, stern, and dreadful re venge ! 
$ “70” (passim) always means a large and fully complete number for that 
purpose ; sometimes, when a very large number was required, it would be twice 70=140 ; 
and, also, 170; but always so as to take in the 7 unit, 
