Page:Maori Religion and Mythology.djvu/74

60 There ended the recitation of Kahu, and he went on to his own proper line—

Then the kohukohu was offered as food to the stone images, and was divided for Houmaitahiti, for Ngatoroirangi, for Tama-te-kapua, and for Tuhoro, and was pressed into their mouths. This being done Ihenga took up another kohuhohu, and held it in his hand raising it aloft, while Kahu chanted the following karakia:—

For Hine-nui-te-po, For Whati-uri-mata-kaka, For the evil old women of Night, For the kind old women of Night, For the evil old women of Day, For the kind old women of Day, For Kearoa, Whose offspring is born to life,