MEMORIAL PA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 113, 14 May 1936, Page 5

MEMORIAL PA.

LATE SIR MAUI POMARE. OPENING NEXT MONTH. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. One of the largest and most memorable gatherings of Maoris ever held in the Dominion will take place at Mantikorihi Pa, Waitara, next month, on the occasion of the unveiling and official opening ceremony of the new meetinghouse, which has been erected at a cost exceeding £3000, to the memory of the late Sir Maui Pomare. The celebrations will extend over several days, and there will be present visitors from all parts of the Dominion and from the Chatham Islands and Rarotonga. The Governor-General, Lord Galway, has been invited to perform the unveiling and opening ceremony on June 27, but prior to that date the Maori King, Koroki, will perform the Maori ceremony. Among the visitors will be Ariki Mak'ia Nui Tinerau, 0.8. E., of Rarotonga, and his suite. The pa is already the scene of great activity in preparation for the gathering, and temporary cookhouses, coppers, ovens, etc., are under course of construction. The visitors will begin to assemble about June 20 for the earlier ceremonies. It is expected that there will be at least 4000 to 0000 to house and feed by the time the first of the ceremonies takes place. A tremendous task is ahead of those who are to be entrusted with the catering arrangements, and huge quantities of stores are being arranged for. The final arrangements are in the hands of Sir Apiraoa Ngata.