The Koaro (Galaxias huttoni)

Said to be also known as kowaro. It is a small fish taken at Roto-a-ira Lake. It is taken by means of very neatly made traps fashioned from a species of rush. These are set in the streams running into the lake. Possibly these traps are now replaced by modern substitutes. Captain G. Mair tells us that in olden times the small fresh-water fish koaro was carried from Roto-a-ira and placed in Rotorua Lake, becoming very numerous there, as also in Rotoiti. He describes the taking of these fish as witnessed by him in the late "sixties" at the Hamurana Stream, Rotorua: "A long funnel-shaped net with a pocket was stretched across the river…. The net was lowered into position and pegged to the bottom with forked sticks at about 8 p.m.; then a 50 ft. canoe was moored to a stake at the lower end. Two hours then elapsed, when the pocket was lifted, the end untied, and several page 229 hundredweight of the fat little fish were emptied into the canoe. This process was repeated during the night till quite a ton weight had been obtained…. Of course, the introduction of trout was the death-knell of the koaro." Others deny that this small fish of Rotorua Lake is the true koaro. We lack expert evidence as to the identification of many native names of fish.

Mr. W. J. Phillipps informs me that the three principal flows of water from subterranean sources in which koaro are taken at Roto-a-ira are named Mapouriki, Heretoa, and Nga Puna. Pot traps somewhat resembling an eel-pot are used in taking them, and these are illustrated in fig. 88. The local natives maintain that these fish retire to the underground streams, and that few of them are seen from March to October.

When pouraka traps were set for kokopu in Rotorua Lake these small-fry would often be taken with them. This trap is shown in fig. 87.

The name of kowaro seems to be also applied to the "mudfish," as it is termed—some form of fish found in mud near springs, and also by men engaged in excavating drains. I have heard of this fish in the Otaki and Manawatu districts, but have never seen it.

The puene, said by the Tuhoe natives to be a small creature with six legs, found in streams about Ruatahuna, is possibly a form of shrimp.

The small fresh-water crayfish (koura) was not sufficiently plentiful at most places to form any appreciable food-supply, but at a few places were taken in great numbers, and were very highly appreciated. Such places were Rotorua, Rotoiti, and Taupo Lakes. The taking of these toothsome Crustacea, as also of the insipid fresh-water mussels, has been described by Te Rangi Hiroa in vol. 53 of the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute.

Readers should consult a paper by Te Rangi Hiroa on "The Maori Craft of Netting," published in vol. 56 of the Transactions of the the New Zealand Institute. It is the only comprehensive paper on Maori fishing usages yet recorded.

This paper contains such data as I have collected during past years—and that is not much—together with contributed notes and extracts from other writers. The description and comparison of many implements I leave, as usual, to home workers; these have access to collections, and possibly no opportunities to consult the Maori himself on the subject of his activities, beliefs, and myths.

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