MAORI GATHERING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 29, 3 February 1934, Page 11

MAORI GATHERING.

NEXT WEEK'S CELEBRATIONS.

WELCOME TO VISITORS,

(By Telegraph.—Spccial Reporter.)

WAITANGI, this day,

By train, hoat and motor car Maoris have been pouring into Ti Point encampment, and this morning the total number of arrivals reached 3300. Six hundred came this morning, and yesterday 700 visitors from tribes south of Auckland made their appearance, but the return of had weather prevented tho official welcomes which were scheduled for the afternoon. Conditions permitting-, tho Ngapuhis and Ngati-Porou's 000 strong, intended to turn out to-day to give combined greetings to 1300 visitors. The 000 who arrived this morning were members of Arawa (Rotorua), Tu AVharctoa (Taupo), Waikato and NgatiKaukawa (Otaki) tribes. Accompanying them were the party of Rarotongans Arikis and their followers.

Tho busiest man in camp is Sir Apirana Ngata, who is spending long hours perfecting details of the organisation on which the camp lias operated. Fresh problems appear to arise daily, and many questions of detail have to he settled in conferences with the subcommittees. Difficulty has arisen over the milk supply, but this is expected to be adjusted without dislocation. The supply was not passed for consumption by Inspector Bailey after examination yesterday, and arrangements are being made at short notice to let a fresh contract.

Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather conditions, life in camp continues happily, and haka teams and other performers are practising without cessation. Distinguished Visitors. The Government steamer Matai, with the Vice-Regal party on board, will arrive off Russell to-morrow morning, but their Excellencies will not come ashore officially until Monday afternoon. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, will spend to-night at Whangarei, and reach Paihia to-morrow night. He will be the guest of Mr. P. A. Hellaby. The Hon. E. A. Ransom, who is also making the trip by road, -will arrive at Paihia at midday to-morrow, and will stay with Mr. and Mrs. P. Miller. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, who will arrive by the Parliamentary train on Monday, will be the guest of Mr. Vernon Reed at Paihia,

The European side of the Waitangi hui has now taken definite shape. To-day Ti _ Point encampment attracted many visitors, most of whom are remaining over for the official celebrations. Good use is being made of the permanent motorists' camp on the Waitangi estate, but, contrary to instructions, numbers of visitors have pitched their tents along the circular roadside at Ti beach and Paihia, where the water and sanitary facilities available at the official motor camp do not exist. Paihia residents are talking of making spirited representations to the authorities on the subject. The control of traffic on Monday and Tuesday will be carried out by the Public Works Department, the Automobile Association and European police. An ambulance squad from Whangarei arrived to-day in readiness for emergency duties. The officers are Ambulance Officer N. Pleming apd Corpqral 0. Walker, who will remain at Ti Point until Thursday.

Weather Still Threatening. Although the weather improved this morning it remained threatening, and interfered with the open-air haka practice. Train delays held up by hours the arrival of the. 600 from the South, and the Rarotongan party, and the combined welcome, in which full ceremonials are to be worn, was accordingly placid on the waiting list. The Maori authorities are taking firm steps to prevent the hui from assuming the character of a fair, and the renting of spaces to European dealers in clothing, provisions and sweets is being further restricted.