Page:Maori Religion and Mythology.djvu/97

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CH. ii.
NAMING LAND.
83

Thus the island was given up to Tu-o-rotorua. But the mana of the land was Kahu's. Hence the song of Taipari before mentioned[1]; for Taipari sprang from the race of Tama-ihu-toroa. Tama's son was Tuara, and Tuara was an ancestor of Taipari.

As they paddled away from Motu-tapu Kahu bid farewell to Tu-o-rotorua—"Abide there, my child, you and your father. Alas! that I have not seen your father."

"Go, sir, go," were the parting words of Tu. "Go to guard your ancestor; go to the Arawa."

Leaving their canoes at the Toanga they went on towards Maketu. On the way Kahu's grandchild became thirsty, and cried for water. Kahu had compassion for the child, and chanted a karakia, and when the karakia was ended he stamped on the ground, and water came forth. Hence that place was named Te Wai-takahi-akahu (the water of Kahu's stamping).

Kahu afterwards remained at Maketu, and died, and was buried there. When he died the mana of Maketu went to his son Tawaki-moe-tahanga. When Tawaki died, the mana-rahi of Maketu went to Uenuku, who also died at Maketu when an old man. Then his son Rangitihi abandoned Maketu, and went to Rotorua, and settled at Matapara with all his family.

When Kahu left Ihenga at Kaipara at the dwelling place of his elder brother Taramainuku, he thus bid him farewell—"Sir, be quick to return to your child, my grandchild, Tama-ihu-toroa. Do not delay." So Ihenga remained at Kaipara for a short time. Then travelling

  1. P. 75.