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Title: Suggestions for a History of the Origin and Migrations of the Maori People

Author: Francis Dart Fenton

In: The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Publication details: Victoria University of Wellington Library, Wellington

Part of: The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Translation

Translation.

The good days and the bad days for planting and fishing, according to the words of the wise men who have come from the seat of learning (kopu wananga):—

In 10 days and 5 days (15) from the first seeing (the new moon) comes the Turu or full moon, and in 10 days and 5 days (15) from the full comes the Mutuwhenua. The moon has then reached the Hinapouri (not visible), it is hidden in and carried away by the sun, who leaves it in the west and it then comes forth again as a new moon.

1.	Ka kohititia. Is seen for the first time. New moon.
3.	Ka kitea nui tia. Has become so large it can be seen plainly.
4.	From the morning to mid-day (ra poupou) a good day.
5.	From mid-day (ra poupou) to evening, a good day.
6.	Tamatea kai ariki (a slayer of chiefs), a bad day. There is a strong tide in the sea.
8.	Tamatea aio (a calm day).
9.	A windy day. A bad day.
10.	Fish and food are hidden from man; a bad day.
11.	If a good day it is owing to the approaching Mawharu. It is a doubtful day.
13.	If a good day it is owing to the influence of Mawharu. If bad it is owing to the approach of Atua.
15.	Full moon. Full tides morning and evening. The moon rises as the sun sets.
16.	The moon looks largest, and is red at rising.
17.	The moon has lost its symmetry. A piece has gone on one side.
18.	In the morning good.
19.	The morning of Takirau, the evening of Te Oiku (Hapara o Takirau etc.)
20.	Nothing of nothingness.
21.	Second nothing of nothingness.
22.	Joining of the nothingness to Tangaroa (god of fish).
23.	The first Tangaroa.
24.	The inner Tangaroa.
25.	The side or outer Tangaroa. No current in the sea.
27.	The white bait descend the rivers. Perfect calm. Hills are cloud-capped.
28.	The moon is hidden and borne away by the sun (Hinapouri).
30.	The ending.

The six days, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28, are all good days. Men should strive to collect food from the sea and land in these days.