Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 6 1888.djvu/286

 278 horizon. It was supposed to do its work by powerful and regular respiration, or ingurgitation and regurgitation of the water. The monster's name was Parata; and any one overtaken by great misfortune is said to have fallen into Parata's throat. In a myth relating to the first peopling of New Zealand, one of the chief canoes, named the Arawa, is represented as being carried into the enormous mouth of the monster, and as being with difficulty extricated by Ngatoroirangi, the courageous and cunning tohunga (= priest, or wise man) on board, who recited his powerful charm for the purpose. The words of this charm or spell are still preserved.