HAEREMAI!

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

HAEREMAI!

MANY MAORIS IN TOWN. FISH MEALS IN DEMAND. "With Waitangi as their goal, and the inducement of a cheap trip and much convivial life when they get there, Maoris thronged Auckland to-day while they were waiting for special trains to take them to their destination. Not for many years has Auckland seen so many of the native race in the city, and there were scenes which recalled a much earlier Auckland, when the wahines and their men used to squat on street corners, a much favoured location being the part of Queen Street near the present Dilworth Building. It was the variety of dress and adornment which commanded much attention to-day. Gone is the huia feather— except perhaps a rare and treasured exception—which used to be prized by the chieftains of other days, but one tu\v to-day feathers of white-Leghorns set at rakish angles, a plentiful display of greenstone trinkets, and a sartorial blending of ancient and modern. Some of the visitors wore severe European dress, although the characteristic shawl was favoured by many of the women. The young natives were quite up-to-date, and colourful clothing was much in evidence. With the natives came a desire for the class of food that they relish, and crayfish and mussels were in high demand, with perhaps ice cream as a sideline. Displays in shop windows were a neverending attraction for the visitors, and their purchases were many. Little English. At the railway station to-day, the clerks were lamenting the fact that the mother tongue of Ao-tea-roa is not taught in pakeha schools. Many of the Maori travellers en route to Waitangi are unable to make themselves understood in English. Unless they are able to state their requirements in English, all Maoris that appear at the ticket boxes are given tickets to Opua. Beyond giving them their tickets, the clerks were helpless. Some of the Maoris who arrived this morning had apparently been well schooled in one phrase, which was constantly mentioned at the ticlcct boxes, but it was not until a New Zealander with some knowledge of Maori happened along that the porters were able:-4o .meet tjjp wishes of the travellers.