LIFE IN A MAORI KAINGA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 210, 5 September 1893, Page 5

LIFE IN A MAORI KAINGA.

A TANGI GRAPHICALLY

DESCRIBED,

Though we are bo surrounded by Maoris, very few people know much of the ways of life amongst) the native race. Says one who has lived amongst them in one of thoir villages:—"After I had lived some time at the kainga, nowa was one day brought that a large party of Manuhiri wero coming from the coast on a viaib of ceremony to the pah and kainga on the river. This caused considerable excitement, and great preparations were made to receive them in a style worthy of the hapu (section of tribe) with whom I resided. Those who bad horsos sold as many as they could for what they would fetch, and the money, with any other thai! could bo raised, was applied to the purchase of storos, beer and spirits. The ranga manuhiri, or visiting party, arrived in due time, and gradually made their way up the river, remaining at each kainga till everything eatable was consumed. They then proceeded to the next, accompanied by the inhabitants of the one they had eackod in this friendly manner, and so on, till the whole contingenb arrived at our kainga, to which they advanced in procession, singing waiaba. The kotiro advanced to meet them with green garlands .on their heads, waving green boughs and singing, whilst the principal men stood each at the door of his whare shaking aloft his right hand with loud cries of ' Haeromi! Haeremi !' Noumai ! Nou-mai ! (Come, come ! Welcome, welcome !) Then there was a universal pressing of nosea and crying, tears flowing abundantly, which is greab etiquette. After which the inhabitants of the kainga and the visitors sab or stood opposite each other, and

THE TANGI COMMENCED.

" This consists in a sorie3 of oar-piercing and soul-tevritying howls, uttered principally by the women, who pride themselves as much on this accomplishment as a pakeha young lady does on singing. It can be heard for mile 3, and is accompanied with floods of tears; it is kept up for an hour or more. Meanwhile other of the women are busy preparing the feast; some will get up to assist now and then, then come and Bit down again and chip in afresh. This is supposed to, be a lament for those deadsince thelast meetingof the parties present. It is, of course, mere form. IsawMona standing with head bowed down and tears running down his cheeks, he looked the picture of woe. I Baid, 'Do you mourn for the departed?' 'No,' he said, with a sly grin, ' I cry for the kaikai (food).' After this ceremony the feasb commenced, and then the drinking, which together wero kept up for two or three days, during which the most unbridled license prevailed. When everything was consumed the visitors departed. Their ontertainers accompanied them to their canoes, and even expended their last remaining cash in buying baga of flour and sugar for them to take away, co that the character of our hapu for hospitality might bo without reproach." Thia is part of a very interesting article in the mail number of the " Graphic" issued to-morrow. It is illustrated with splendid blocks of Maoris rubbing nosee, Maori implements, and other fine pictures. Nothing better for sending Homo could be imagined.