Page:Maori Religion and Mythology.djvu/88

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74
CLAIMING AND
CH. vi.

They reached the Hiapo, and rested there the night. Kuiwai and Haungaroa gave that name, because they left their brother Hiapo there, and he died there. Hiapo saw the koko hopping about the trees, and remained behind while his sisters went on to Maketu to carry messages from Hawaiki to Ngatoroirangi.

The next day they went on, and when they reached Totara-keria they were seen from the Pa by Tawaki. Then came shouts from the Pa, "Come, heaven-sent guest, brought hither by my child from beyond the sky. Come, come." They arrive—the tangi commences—then speeches are made. Meanwhile food is being prepared. When they had done eating the food, Tawaki said to Ihenga, " Tell us about your travels. Whence come you, lost one?"

"I have seen a sea," said Ihenga, "I found a man there."

"Who is the man?" asked Tawaki.

"Marupunga-nui, and his son."

They all knew that the son was Tu-o-rotorua. So Kahu inquired "Where is your uncle and his father?"

"They remain there," said Ihenga, "I have made them go to the island."

"Well done, son-in-law," said Kahu.

Then the food brought by the men was laid in a pile before Tawaki in the courtyard of Whitingakongako. And Tawaki said to his sister "Give some for me and your father." So she gave the bundle of rats, and the shags, and the gourd of inanga, and the other fish. And Tawaki and his father sent them to their own dwelling-place.