MYTHOLOGY. 
47 
The belief in the Patu-paearehe is very general; many have 
affirmed to me, that they have repeatedly met with them. 
Albinos are said to be their offspring, and they are accused of 
frequently surprising women in the bush. The following is 
an account of a man being caught by a Patu-paearehe lady, 
which is, therefore, a very interesting circumstance :— 
Kurangai-tuku was a Patu-paearehe, a giantess in stature ; 
she was like a tree, her fingers and nails were extremely long, 
with these she was accustomed to spear her game, which chiefly 
consisted of pigeons and parrots. One day, when she was out 
hunting, she came to a large totara tree, in which she espied 
a pigeon roosting; she sent her long nails completely through 
the trunk of the tree. A chief, named Hatupatu, was also 
out spearing birds at the same time. He likewise saw the 
pigeon from the opposite side of the tree, but did not perceive 
the lady until her nails appeared through the tree ; and at the 
same time she saw the here (barb) of his spear, which had like¬ 
wise penetrated to her side. She looked around with asto¬ 
nishment, and perceived Hatupatu. It was the first time she 
had ever seen a man, so she captured him alive, and carried 
him to her house, as a mokai, or pet. This lady appears to 
have been a great ornithologist, and her house was a regular 
aviary, being filled with every kind of bird, which she tended 
with great care; amongst these she placed her new capture, 
doubtless considering him to be a very rare specimen. Here 
he remained some time, until he began to be weary and 
anxious to escape. She, however, treated him with great 
kindness, and carefully provided for his support. One day 
she asked him what food he would like to have ; he replied, 
some birds. She then enquired, pae-hea ? What ridge or 
range of hills was she to go to for them ? Was she to go to 
the first ? He said, no. Was she to go to the second range ? 
He replied, still further. She continued asking him, until she 
demanded whether she was to go to the sixth range, which, 
was very far off. He then said, yes, in order that he might 
have time to escape whilst she was going so far for the birds. 
Kurangai-tuku did not much relish so long a walk, still she 
very good-naturedly set off, and rapidly strode from pae to 
