176 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [Sept. 
the results of this latter effort may be deemed satisfactory, though one 
has frequently to endure annoying interruptions and experience the effect 
of many distracting influences. 
The collection made at Rotorua included some matters of more than 
ordinary interest. For example, a moving picture taken of a native in 
the act of generating fire by means of the primitive 44 fire-plough ” of 
Polynesia was very successful. In a few minutes the operator had 
kindled his fire by this laborious method, and that fire was blazing merrily. 
I think it was the quickest performance of the kind I have seen. This 
picture would be welcomed by Old-World anthropologists. Another 
moving picture taken of a native operating the old Maori form of cord 
drill, lacking cap or headpiece, and controlled by the cords only, will 
illustrate a mode of manipulation that has puzzled American scientists. 
A moving picture taken of the almost extinct game of ti rakau, or 
tititoure, is a most welcome addition to our collection, and places the 
movements of players on permanent record. By this means we can, as 
it were, save interesting old-time processes and activities from extinction. 
The party was fortunate in being able to obtain the assistance of a party 
of Tuhoe natives, a people who have retained more knowledge of pre- 
European conditions than perhaps any other tribe. 
Among the records of old native games obtained were a considerable 
number of designs of the world-wide pastime of cratch-cradle, or cat’s- 
cradle, of which we have now a goodly number. All these will serve as 
excellent illustrations for Bulletin No. 8 of the Dominion Museum series. 
The songs recorded on the dictaphone will be a welcome addition to 
those collected at Gisborne. This collection is intended to serve as a basis 
for a comprehensive monograph on Maori songs and singing, to be 
prepared by an adept. Several speeches—as, for example, one made by 
the Arawa chief Te Kini Amohau welcoming the Prince of Wales to 
Rotorua—were also recorded. 
Inasmuch as a considerable number of native houses adorned with 
carved designs are met with in the Rotorua district, the opportunity was 
seized to take a large number of photographs of designs in wood-carving, 
decorative painting, and sinnet work. Special attention was paid to 
interesting details that may serve as illustrations for special articles and 
monographs ; the series of photographs and rubbings secured will well 
serve such purposes. For example, a number of photographs were obtained 
showing how persistently the lizard appears in Maori carvings ; and by 
increasing this series a paper on this ancient symbol or emblem might be 
here compiled. 
Although the so-called model pa at Te Whakarewarewa presents 
features that must be condemned, yet a number of interesting illustrations 
were secured of details, such as houses, pataka, &c., in it that will serve 
as excellent additions to the Museum collection, and as showing methods 
and conditions of former times. 
E. B. 
By Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington. 
[1,800/9/20—14176 
