CoLENSO. — 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 

 t-^o men, Tumahunuku and Tumahurangi." Then Tawheta said, " It is all 

 right enough, no d'oubt, (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 shall be full of trouble, when he shall desire the little 

 bit of property that is lying on the ground ; f 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 

 his 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 ; | 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, Eopanui, Mahinaiteata, and 

 Whiwhingaiterangi, while the fifth, named Eongouaroa, 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 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 revenge ! 



I " 70 " (jMssim) always means a large and fully complete number for that particular 

 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. 



