MODERN METHODS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 25, 30 January 1934, Page 10

MODERN METHODS.

NATIVE CAMP SITE.

WAITANGI PREPARATIONS.

ENTHUSIASM THE KEYNOTE. (By Telegraph.—Special Reporter.) , WAITANGI, this day. As each day brings nearer the celebrations associated with the 94th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi the more insistent comes the conviction that the event has stirred Maori enthusiasm and sentiment to an almost unparalleled degree. At least, that is the impression retained by observers of the preparations.

Through its selection as the site for the native encampment, Ti Point has sprung into the limc'ight of contemporary history, which, incidentally, illuminates its notable associations of the past. To-day it is a canvas community, and one which bristles with well-ordered action, thinly concealed excitement and a great esprit de corps. Exceptional weather conditions, a ready performance of labourers' tasks under a broiling sun, and hearty co-operation between the Works Department and the native volunteers have combined to keep the organisation on smooth and successful lines. A mass of detail was mastered and much bard work was done before the present satisfactory stage with daylight ahead was reached.

While tents have been erected and other essential accommodation constructed, the host tribes have <levoteJ every available minute to the rehearsal of ceremonial dances and songs, which are to form part of the oflieial celebrations and welcome to the visiting tribes. At the week-end nightly practices attracted much attention from the European community.

A Wooden Railway. In addition to the intensive organisation involved in the provision of food supplies for the 5000 natives who will form the community, the distribution and service of that food had to be planned. Modern methods have been employed in bridging the gap between the storehouse and the dinner table. There is a miniature wooden railway along which the cooked food is transported to the huge marquee which is a distinctive feature of the encampment. Each row of table benches in this mammoth restaurant seats 54 eaters, making a total of 050 per sitting, each of which is estimated to last half an hour. Between each row shingle has been laid to prevent dust from rising. The serving tables run at right angles to the benches, and as these are constructed on the "dumb waiter" principle an outward and inward flow of dishes is facilitated. Behind the serving tables are the long benches from which items of the daily menu are distributed.

Hot water for washing up is supplied from a series of heaters. In all the culinary and household arrangements labour-saving requirements have been observed, and the situation of the services is such that those engaged on the more menial tasks will be able to view the ceremonial proceedings. In the steamers installed in the heaters the vegetables required are cooked. Meat and poultry are roasted in open-air ovens and the cookhouse is reserved for the preparation of pastries and puddings, and for supplementary loafbaking.

Vice-Regal Grandstand. A special marquee lias been set aside for the banquet to the official party. The stand from which the Vice-Regal and other distinguished visitors will witness the celebrations has been completed and in appearance is in harmony with the surroundings. The seating accommodation will be limited to 210 people.

Although the bridge linking Ti Point with Waitangi is not yet officially opened for traffic the first car passed over it yesterday. It is an imposing structure.

A series of informal conferences have already been held by the Ngapuhis, one of the subjects discussed in a preliminary way being the nature of the representations to be made to the Government on the rating question. Last evening's conferences concerned camp arrangements and the selection of waitresses who will attend to table at the ViceRegal banquet.