The Mountain War-gong.

On the top of Aroha-i-uta peak, overlooking the Waihou Valley, a chief named Ruinga long ago built a strongly stockaded pa. It was called Nga Tukituki a Hikawera, and it was the fortress of a tribe who lived on the products of the bush.

In this pa, according to the traditions of the Ngati-Tamatera tribe, there was a great pahu or signal gong, a large oval piece of timber, hollowed out somewhat like a shallow bowl, and made as thin as possible, on the principle of the sounding-board. This pahu was suspended from a stage on the middle of the mountain stockade, and was struck with a heavy stick when it was desired to give a signal such as calling the tribe together in the event of an enemy's invasion.