VICE-REGAL GIFT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 26, 31 January 1934, Page 9

VICE-REGAL GIFT.

MAORI APPRECIATION.

HOW IT WILL BE SHOWN.

TTGAPUHI WAR 3>ANCB.

(By Telegraph.—Special Reporter.) WAITANGI, this day. Sitting with Mr. Tau Henare, M.P., the camp commandant, on the marae, at Ti Point this afternoon, the "Star's" representative at Waitangi was given an impressive insight into the spirit which the hui has engendered in the Maoris of the North. Mr. Henare predicted that the outcome of the gathering of the tribes would be an improvement in the relationships between native and

pakeha. Replying to questions, Mr. Henare said that naturally the assembled Ngapuhis had already had preliminary informal discussions on the issues which would be the subject of full consideration and subsequent conference with the Coalition Ministry, but there had been no rancour or bitterness. To the Ngapuhi, as to the other tribes, the Waitangi celebrations were an event of great national importance, and -in years to corne would be regarded as historical. Among the questions in the forefront of consideration was that of native land development, and there had been ehouts of delight when the news reached the encampment that all the schemes in the North had withstood the audit test.

The Vice-regai gift of Waitangi to the nation, said Mr. Henare, was part of the inspiration behind the organisation of the celebrations, and at the nightly gatherings of the assembled sub-tribes— there were a thousand. Ngapuhis in camp and as many more. expected —he and other speakers had commended the efforts of the race to demonstrate fittingly their appreciation of their Excellencies' munificence. Every reference to the gift had been received with cheers.

"A Heart Value." "With us," said Mr. Henare, with a faint smile, "there is a heart value in these things." He was speaking at the time of the response to the appeal for food supplies to see the hui through. In addition to the abundance of food, the natives had supplied cash, and two £1 notes which had just arrived brought the total to exactly £500. Whereas 80 bullocks had been asked for, 120 had been given, and double the number of the required porkers had come to hand.

"There is a great spirit in evidence," commented Mr. Henare, "and everyone ie happy about it." As an instance of the enthusiasm of the camp he mentioned the competition which had taken place during the afternoon over the allotment of tables in the marquee, which accommodates 650 persons per sitting. It adjoins a smaller covering, under which the vice-regal table is situated, and there was a great battle of words for possession of the bench nearest the official marquee, and then for the next table, and so on.

Speculation has been rife for some days as to the form of costume to be worn by the performers in the ceremonial dances. Mr. Henare quicklv satisfied curiosity by indicating there would bo no departure from the usual ceremonial garments. The men wiU wear dark shorts and piupius, and the women red overall frocks and piupius. Red, Mr. Henare explained, was the colour of the Ngapuhis, and it honoured the pohutukawa tree. The waitresses would wear the same costume, so that they would be readily available for performances.

Rare Spectacle. Monday, the first day of the official celebrations, will provide the visitors with "a. spectacle rarely witnessed in New Zealand —a Ngapuhi war dance. According to Mr. Henare, the Ngapuhis, among whom the haka in recent years hae been almost forgotten, are the only tribe in the Dominion who perform the particular war dance. In warrior_ days this dance was more important • than the battle itself. It was performed on the previous clay, and experts watched every movement to determine the omens. _It was held that the manner .of execution indicated to the trained observer whether failure or success would be the outcome when the tribee clashed in the morning. Months of training have been spent in perfecting the complicated movement for Monday next, for the reception at 11 a.m. to the Parliamentary party, and for the reception at 2.30 p.m. to the vice-regal party. It was explained by Mr. Henare that the selection of front-rankers for the haka was like the selection of a football team. The best were chosen for the main positions —the front —and the others became part of the massed gathering behind. In the case of the Motatau team, 21 out of 30 trainees had been passed.

Historic Flags. Everyone in the encampment was interested in the historic flags which will fly from prominent places. The historic association of four of them was recalled by Mr. Henarc, who said one was that presented to Hongi Hika by King George IV., and another the one that Tamati Waka None received at the hands of Queen Victoria. The third was presented by H.M.s. New Zealand for use on important occasions, and the fourth was said to be the first flag which fluttered from the famous flagpole at Flagstaff Hill, Russell, which was thrice cut down by Hone Heke. "Yes," said Mr. Henare, at the end of the interview, "everything is going smoothly, and we are a very, happy community."