George H Davies - Papers relating to Maori legends, waiata and other matters

Contains a 6-page notebook of songs and chants with a note at the beginning by S P Smith saying `sent to me by G H Davies, Karore April, 1911'. In Maori the notebook includes notes on Kaioraora (cursing songs) by Topeora, and a waiata `E pa to hau ke Te Wairau e'. Inside the back cover is a copy of a letter in Maori from S P Smith to Whatahoro, New Plymouth 29 August 1911.

Several pages relating to legend, waiata and other matters in several hands. Legends include Mataora, Tumatauenga and Kongomaraeroa; Tura and Whiro; Tamatea and the moa; Mataoho; Maui; Tane and others. Some of this material may be from a Ngati Porou source; One section is headed `Waiata a Te Whatu', and there are various waiata among the text which Davies claims have been sung before the Maori Land Court in the Hawkes Bay area. There is also an explanation in Maori and English of the expression `Ariki tapairu' signed by Rawiri Te Rangi Rangikauri. A covering letter from Davies to S P Smith, dated 18 Jul 1902, offering them to the Polynesian Society for publication.

There is also an undated note from Elsdon Best to Smith forwarding a letter from Tamahau (Mahupuku?), sent by Davies for publication. An unsigned paper in Maori is probably the letter referred to.

Quantity: 1 folder(s).