SUNDAY WEDDING.

Auckland Star, Volume lx, Issue 195, 19 August 1929, Page 5

SUNDAY WEDDING.

CEREMONY AT MAORI PA.

TRIBAL DATE TRADITION FOOTBALLERS' CO-INCIDENTAL VISIT. PICTURESQUE NUPTIALS. The marriage yesterday of two popular young Maoris (one, the direct descendant of high chiefs of the Waiohua tribe) at Pukaki Pa, Mangere, happily coincided with the reception by Chief Napi Wirihana of about sixteen motor car loads of Auckland Rugby League football officials and members of the Northland executive, and players, who had previously lunched at Howick.

Despite the wet weather the visitors had a most enjoyable time amongst the natives, who gave hakas and provided liberally of music and refreshments. The wedding, which had taken place just before noon, created immediate interest.

Although Sunday, it happened to be the 18th of the month, which date, following a custom instituted nearly a century ago by two notable Taranaki (Pariliaka) prophets, Te Whiti Orongomai and Toliu Ivakahi, has always been upheld as a day for important pa fixtures, including marriages. This tradition has been maintained by Chieftainess Kokupaki, an influential personality at Pukaki. So, the wedding, however contrary to European Sabbath observance, had to go on.

. The parties were Te Hiko Wiriliana Takanini (Mr. Joe Wilson), only son of Pericho Wiriliana Takanini, and Hiko Hiko Kawiti (Nellie Moore), daughter of the late Araoa Kawiti. The bridegroom is a nephew of Chieftainess Kohupaki, of the Waioliua tribe, living at Pukaki. lie is also a grandson of Ehaka Takanini, Reihana Te Haupatahi and Mohi Teahiotengu Tehaupatahi, all ancestors of noble birth. Accompanied by a group of swarthy young men, the bridgroom and best man, a cousin, Tom Pan, duly awaited the appearance of the bride and her little bridesmaids, cousins (Misses Eangi and Kara Wilson), and the diminutive train-bearer, Johnny Wilson, a cousin of the bridegroom. Chief Rongonui Officiates. The nuptials were carried out in full Maori custom, picturesque and impressive, the old chief Kongonui officiating with august ceremonial becoming his dignity. First Mita Karaka delivered the lengthy incantations known is "Karakia," a historic offering of prayer, and then the couple answered the usual questions associated with European marriage. When the bride received the ring, she and her husband were congratulated by "hongi"—the rubbing of noses—and hand clasps.

The bride, petite and shy, looked charming in her veil and wreath of orange blossoms, while over her shoulders she wore a valuable mat of toroa feathers. She carried an attractive bouquet of jonquils, ferns and maidenhair. In accordance with Maori custom bride and bridegroom each wore a white feather in the hair, a plume which gave an added touch of grace td their appearance. All the principal participants in the gathering wore gorgeous mats (korowai).

Many tribes were represented in the gathering held in the commodious As-

sembly Hall (Kaliu Pokere), and the four hundred people included many European friends of the contracting parties and their people, who adjourned to the largo dining hall in another building to celebrate the marriage. The tables were richly loaded with Maori delicacies and an array of pakeha foods, including a wedding cake, which was ultimately divided into many small pieces as tokens. A lengthy toast list was honoured, Messrs. Kirkwood, Karaka, G. Searlo and J. Elliott being amongst the speakers, who conveyed good wishes for the happiness of a young warrior and his wahine joined in the bonds of matrimony.

The arrival of the visitors at the pa lent a note of high revelry to the occasion, and the visitors were quick to join in the festivities and congratulate the parties, Wilson being one of several brothers well known in Auckland football spheres as members of tlio Mangere League Club.

It was truly a day of days at the native settlement, and the rejoicings were continued into the evening.

As Chief ISTapi Wiriliana said, it was his heart's desire that his guests should enjoy the fullest hospitality of the pa. He added: "I extend to you all, on behalf of my people, an expression of the most cordial pleasure that you have come here. Kia ora!" (Applause.)