Page:Hawaiki The Original Home of the Maori.djvu/98

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According to the genealogical tables, Atea and his wife Ata-nua who ruled in Papanui, lived 74 generations ago, or circa the commencement of the Christian era. The people apparently dwelt in the land of Papa-nui and Taka-hee for a lengthened period, for there is more about them in the chants than any other lands. It is to be hoped these Marquesan chants may be translated in full some day.

The next "log-book" we have is that of the Pau-motu islanders, which was obtained by me in Eastern Polynesia in 1897. It seems to go back to the Hawaiki and Vavau of Indonesia, mentioned in the Marquesan chants. It is as follows:—

Grew up the land Hawaiki, With its King Rongo-nui; Then grew up the land Vavau With its King Toi-ane.

Then appeared the land Hiti-nui (Fiji) With its King Tangaroa-manahune.

Then appeared the land Tonga-hau With its King Itu-pava.

Then appeared the land Pa-hangahanga With its King Horo-mo-ariki.