Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 167:

"In one corner was a ware-puni, occupied by Barrett and his family, and in the middle a wata, or `storehouse,' stuck upon four poles about six feet high, and only approachable by a wooden log with steps cut in it."

1855. Rev. R. Taylor, `Te Ika a Maui,' p. 57:

"A chief would not pass under a stage or wata (a food-store)."

Ibid. p. 468:

"Wata, stand or raised platform for food: <i>Fata</i>,
Tahaiti."

[Also an illustration, "an ornamental food-store," p. 377.]

1891. Rev. J. Stack, `Report of Australasian Association for Advancement of Science,' #G. vol. iii. p. 378:

"The men gathered the food and stored it in Whatas or store- rooms, which were attached to every chief's compound, and built on tall posts protect the contents from damp and rats."

<hw>Whau</hw>, <i>n</i>. Maori name for the New Zealand Cork-tree, <i>Entelea arborescens</i>, R. Br., <i>N.O. Tiliaceae</i>.