Papers.—1. “On a Maori Waiata, or Song,” by R. C. Bruce, M.H.R. (Transactions, p. 426.)

Mr. Tregear said that Mr. Bruce deserved the thanks of the Society for having brought this beautiful poem to light. It was of great value historically, as well as from a poetical point of view. He thought, However, it might have been in part adapted from some other old song, and not altogether an original composition by the old chief mentioned.

Sir James Hector said the chief interest of this waiata was the mention of the hokioi associated with the moa. The hokioi had been identified as a huge vulturine bird that preyed on the moa and was now quite extinct. The bones were first identified and described by the late Sir J. von Haast. He (the speaker) then exhibited two photographs of a very fine skull of this bird recently taken by Mr. Hamilton, of Dunedin.

Sir W. Buller, whilst testifying to the historical interest attaching to the waiata, expressed a doubt as to its entire originality. He had heard it alleged by other natives that it was only an adaptation by Te Hakeke. That this chief was, however, a man of renown and individuality was admitted on all hands. His son, the late Kawana Hunia te Hakeke, inherited these qualities; indeed, he was one of the most capable and remarkable men of his day. With a devotion beyond all praise, he spent his whole life in continuous and never-ceasing efforts to restore the fallen fortunes of his tribe. Bishop Hadfield had described in graphic language the deplorable condition of the Ngatiapa Tribe when he first came to the coast. Chiefly through the exertions of Kawana Hunia the tribe had been completely rehabilitated, and had recovered possession of all its ancestral lands. He was glad to have this opportunity of paying a tribute to the unselfish character of the late Kawana Hunia. He was inclined to think that the hokioi referred to was really the frigate-bird.