1918.] The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. 
27 
taken place. In such crude systems do we observe the origin of the methods 
of civilized communities. 
Primitive man seems to have based his system of measurement on his 
own body and its parts very much as, in many cases, he did his system 
of numeration. Hence, among Polynesians we have rima = the hand,, 
and rima = five ; also ringa = the hand, and ringa = a unit in measure¬ 
ment ; together with honui = the thumb, koiti = the little finger, and 
tuke = the elbow : all used as terms in measuring. 
The following list includes such measurement terms or units as we have 
collected from different tribes, but there are probably other expressions 
and possibly other units still unknown to us :•— 
Konui .. 
Pona konui 
Koiti .. 
Koroiti 
Ringa .. 
Matikara, or lesser 
Awanui 
Tuke 
Tuke ringa 
Whaiianga 
Pakihiwi 
Tumu . . 
Hau 
Wahanga 
Pakihiwi maw 
Metro .. 
Whanganga 
Aronui 
Pae 
Takoto .. 
Kumi .. 
The length of the first joint of the thumb. 
Length of the little finger. 
Width of the hand. 
Span of outspread fingers from thumb-tip to tip 
of little finger or middle finger. 
Width of two hands plus length of thumbs : 
hands open, fingers together, tips of out¬ 
stretched thumbs together. 
The cubit. Length from elbow to finger-tips. 
Full length of arm, shoulder to finger-tips. 
The half mdro. From middle of the breast to 
the finger-tips ; arm outstretched horizontally. 
Length of arm plus breadth across shoulders. 
The fathom. Span of arms outstretched hori¬ 
zontally. 
Same span as the mdro, but arms curved. Used 
in measuring the circumference of trees. 
Length of body lying prone plus that of arm 
outstretched beyond the head. 
Ten mdro or fathoms. 
Although some tribes may employ other terms, and possibly even some 
other units, in regard to measuring, yet those given above afford a very 
fair illustration of the Maori system of measurement. The weakness of 
that system is discernible at a glance : the various units employed would 
differ in length according to the height, length of limb, &c., of the individual. 
Hence, when engaged in any work necessitating measurement, those 
engaged at such labours often selected one person to perform all tasks of 
measuring connected with the undertaking. The writer is also inclined 
to think that the discrepancies involved in such a system of measurement, 
with their attendant complications and confusion, may have led to the 
favour in which the rauru, or measuring-rod, was held among the Taki- 
tumu tribes of the East Coast. 
Description of Units. 
The Konui or Pona konui. —The konui, or length of the first joint of the 
thumb, was employed in cases wherein a short unit or standard was desir- 
