[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sia,—In reply to Sir
Hercules Read's queries, may I explain that the evidence I referred to as to the casting of statues, &c., and carving of molten material, has been detailed by me in a report dictated to me by one of the hereditary legend- carriers of the New Zealand Arawa, namely, Hohepa Te Rake. His evidence was all published last year by Kegan Paul (Maori Symbolism, 21s.), with'the exception of that relating to food, which is embodied in a small book published by Heinemann (Native Diet. 6s.). What is in question, there- fore, is not my knowledge or theories, but the knowledge of a Maori regarding the ancient legends of his own race. Quite definitely he says that ornaments, weapons, statues and even megaliths were fashioned from cooling lava, and that rock- carvings were made on the exposed surfaces of volcanic rock on the roof of the Easter Island " quarries." I was in Cairo when the Maori Contingent was in Cairo in 1915-1916. Some members of it were greatly excited about the Pyramids, claiming that there were references to them in their sacred legends and alleging that the blocks were weathered concrete, not quarried slabs.
May I suggest that, at the moment, what we really require are accurate reports of the native legends in regard to matters which, so far, have not been reported adequately and accur- ately? Particularly this applies to the sacred legends about diet, health, exercise, and agriculture. My own feeling is that when these legends are fully in front of us we shall realize that the civilization of the Brown Race (the " dark-whites ") was based on cultivation—the cultivation of the race, of the body and of the land ; and that their decorative art is merely a part of their Fertility Cult.—I am, Sir, &c., E. A. ROUT.
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