SPECIAL HAKAS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 27, 1 February 1934, Page 5

SPECIAL HAKAS.

MAOKI EXPRESSION.

NOT COMPLIMENTARY TO M.P.'S. NATIVE BATING QUESTION. (By Telegraph.—Special Reporter.) WAITANGI, this day. The Maori is a born humorist and revels ill subtle expression of wit. Parliamentarians in general, and the Hon. A. D. McLeod In particular, will realise this next week, for two special liakas, one for Parliament and the other for the member for Wairarapa, who was chairman of the Native Eating Commission, have been composed, and they convey in gesture what no words could express. As one of the officials smilingly remarked last night, the hakas have solved the problem of how two hundred advocates could be enabled to speak simultaneously on the same subject. The compositions are the work of the Ngapuhis, and the perfected movements •were kept secret until yesterday, all rehearsals being carried out under cover in the presence of a chosen few. Yesterday one haka became general camp property, but it was still a surprise and a delight to the distant sub-tribes who did not reach Ti Point until the afternoon. Rain and wind did not deter the haka teams —the pick of the home tribes who had been in residence —and they followed their stirring welcomes with the newly composed haka, which depicts what the Ngapuhis think of the reception Parliament has given the petitions with which the natives have flooded the General Assembly in recent years. The haka was received with roars of laughter and 6houts of delight. Even the uninitiated could read, the story told by gesture of arm, leg and tongue. It is not complimentary to Parliament, but it is offered in good part. Similarly, the figures cut in the haka yet to be performed should leave no doubt on the mind of Mr. McLeod as to how the natives view the provisions of the Eating Amendment Bill. . This also will be presented <--s ihe salver of humour.