The Aute, Flax and Poporo

The aute, or paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) was introduced into New Zealand from Polynesia by the Maori, and page 278grew as far south as the Bay of Plenty, apparently also on the East Coast. It had become rare at the time of Cook's first visit to these shores, as its shown plainly by his own evidence and that of his companions. Colenso's statement as to its being very common at that period is certainly an error. Native tradition tells us that the aute was introduced in a vessel named Oturereao, that arrived at Ohiwa about 21 generations ago.

The so called native flax (Phormium) was planted by the natives in places adjacent to their villages, on account of its usefulness in the manufacture of clothing, baskets, cordage, nets, etc. This, however, like the aute, does not enter into the list of food plants. The poporo (Solanum aviculare) is also said to have been occasionally planted about their villages. Its fruit was eaten, but is merely classed as kai tamariki, or children's food. The inferior native fruits formed a very small portion of the food supply of the Maori, except those of the hinau, tawa and karaka.

In the foregoing account of Maori agriculture there are a number of apparent contradictions, but this aspect is, in most cases, owing to the fact that certain differences of custom and practise existed in different parts of the island, that is to say among different tribes. In many cases writers have not recorded the place of origin of information given, neither district nor tribe being mentioned, hence some confusion is bound to exist. This is one of the most marked features of the MS. matter left by the late Mr. John White. We must also bear in mind that a single tribe may employ different methods of performing certain tasks. For instance clans dwelling within easy distance of a large area of level or rolling land, of good soil, would probably make large plantations which would be subdivided into plots for families or small family groups. Other divisions of the same tribe might possess no such lands, and be compelled to cultivate a number of small isolated patches of land. The methods of working large and small areas differed; there was more division of labour where many persons worked a large area, and the ceremonial performances would be much more elaborate. It was held to be most desirable to obtain the services of a tohunga or priestly adept, of renown, one well versed in all ceremonial performances pertaining to agriculture, and such an adept was sometimes induced to visit other districts than his own in order to conduct the ritual performances.

The differences in planting methods might well come about. A small family group engaged in planting a small field would practise but little division of labour, and probably little ceremonial. In the page 279case of not being able to secure the services of an adept they might even be compelled to omit nearly all ceremonial performances.