ABSTRACT
The Maori had his own idioms and forms of speech, which may differ widely from that of the student of another race who may be studying Polynesian traditions. Many people consider tradition to be so full of error that it is of little or no value in ethnological research. The Maori tradition says they sailed south from two twin islands named Maui-taha and Maui-pae which are outside of Ahu. The traditional association of Turi with the karcika also raises the question of the sailing-date of the "Aotea," The "Aotea" did not accompany the fleet which landed at Whangaparaoa. Some wise Polynesian navigator, whose name is unfortunately lost to posterity, invented the magic calabash. Early European navigators, in observing the sailing powers of Polynesian sea-going canoes with a fair wind, have stated that seven knots an hour was easily accomplished. From a purely scientific point of view, tradition is of the greatest value in ethnological research regarding the Polynesian race.
