CoLENSo. — On a better Knowledge of the Maori Race. 12§ 



VII. — Against Inhospitality. 



98. He kuukuu Id te kaainga, he kaakaa ki te haere. 



A pigeon at home, a parrot abroad. 



The New Zealand pigeon is a silent bird ; the parrot is a noisy screamer. 

 The pigeon remains quietly sitting on the high trees ; the parrot flies about, 

 making the forest resound with its loud cries. 



This proverb is apphed to an inhospitable chief ; he does not raise the 

 cheerful inspiriting shout of " Welcome !" to travellers nearing his village ; 

 but, when he travels, then, on approaching any place, he sounds his 

 trumpet to get food prepared, and afterwards finds fault with the victuals 

 given him. 



99. E riri Kai-po, ka haere Kai-ao. 



When Eat-by-night is angry, Eat-by-day leaves. 



Meaning : If the illiberal mean chief be angry (shown by withholding 

 food and welcome), the liberal generous men continue on their journey. 



It was considered a very great insult for a travelling party to pass by a 

 pa or village without calling. Kai-po is the common term for a mean 

 selfish person. 



100. Kei kai i te ketekete. 



Lest there be nothing to eat but vain regrets. 



Meaning: Bad for both sides — the visitors and visited — to have only 

 excuses for food. 



This proverb was sometimes used by a chief as a warning to his tribe, 

 when expecting visitors. 



101. He kotuku kai-whakaata. 



The white crane eats leism*ely, after viewing his food and his own 

 shadow in the still water. 

 This is said of a chief who looks after due preparations being made for 

 his expected visitors ; also, of one who quietly and coui'teously awaits the 

 arrival and sitting of others to then' repast before he eats his own food. 



VIII. — Eelating to Hidden Thoughts. 



102. He kokonga ichare e kitea. 



The dark corner of a house can be seen and searched ; — {understood, 

 to complete the meaning) but not the heart of man. 



103. He taanga kakaho ka kitea e te kanohi ; tena ko te laanga ngakau ekore 

 e kitea. 



A mark, or knot (or placing), of a reed can be seen with the eye, 

 but that of the heart can not be seen. 



104. He ta kakaho e kitea, ko te ta o te ngakau ekore e kitea. 



A knot, joint, or mark, on the cutting-grass reed is seen, but the 

 mark or knot (heaving or thought) of the heart is not seen. 



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