MAORIS MOVE OUT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 32, 7 February 1934, Page 9

MAORIS MOVE OUT.

CAMP NOW DESERTED. HEALTH REMARKABLY GOOD. FIRE IN BLACKSMITH'S SHOP. (By Telegraph.—Special Reporter.) WAITANGI, this day. The canvas city of mushroom growth at Ti Point will he practically deserted by this evening if transport arrangements of the camp authorities are adhered to. " To the accompaniment of wailing grief, 000 of the visiting natives made their departure last night, and the balance of the South Auckland tribes are all moving to-day by every form of road vehicle and sea vessel.

Members of the Ngapuhi home tribe left Ti Point last night, a sufficient percentage remaining to attend to cleaning up details and to assist in the dismantling of tents and marquees.

The Rarotongan party left at 10 a.m. to-day. Most or the members of the Parliamentary party left Opua by special train at .10.15 last night, but some of the Ministers arc making a more leisurely trip back to Auckland by road. Messrs. Forbes and Coates will attend the opening in Auckland of the Royal Show. Mr. Masters will spend Thursday in Auckland and confer with representatives of milk producers. Traffic on the Harbour. Launch traffic in the harbour yesterday was nearly as substantial as on Monday, due mainly to the volume of departing visitors, both European and Maori. It is now expected that the award of the To Rehia Cup presented by Lady Bledisloe will be made tonight.

The new bridge is open to through traffic to-day, but most of the motorists at the Waitangi A.A., camp arc remaining for a few more clays. There were so many tents pitched on the property yesterday that campers required the assistance of officials in locating their quarters. Quito a sensation, especially anions those who have become accustomed to the quieter hues of native costuming, was created by the appearance at the Residency function yesterday of a group of 15 dancing girls, part of King Koroki's suite from the Waikato, clad in grass skirts reaching almost to the ankle, and with vivid red undergarments showing through, and peacock feathers in their haiiv The girls went through the sinuous movements of a dance, which was Eastern rather than Maori in motive.

Although the blacksmith's shop at the camp end of the Waitangi Bridge was not used during the outbreak of fire occurred mysteriously last night. About 8 o'clock flames were seen issuing from the site, but were quickly extinguished with chemicals. Dancing All Night. Practising and performing their native hakas and pois all day and dancing all night, the younger set among the natives at Waitangi proved that the Spartan characteristic is still present in the race. Their endurance has been little short of remarkable. AH records were smashed last night (Tuesday) when, after the most strenuous ceremonial, the younger folk commenced a dance. As usual the marquee was crowded, and many waited outside until midnight in order to take their turn. There were still strains of music and the tap-tap of feet at 6 a.m. to-day. The health of the camp has' been remarkably goad. Four hundred first aid cases were treated by Dr. Duncan Cook, but these were mostly sunburn. There were two ambulances and eight ambulance attendants from Auckland and Whangarei under Commissioner C. J. Tunks, of Auckland. The personnel included Transport Officer A. Langstone, Superintendent E. Howes and Corporals W. Dean and J. Hughes.