MAORI CANOES ON AVON

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21376, 19 January 1935, Page 16

MAORI CANOES ON AVON

Rehearsal Promises Vivid Scene HUNDREDS WATCH IN RAIN AND WIND Rain and a cold wind on their bare brown skins did not in any way dampen the enthusiasm of the party of Tuahiwi Maoris who last evening rehearsed on the Avon part of their programme for to-morrow night. The Maoris loved it, and some of their obvious delight in the task in hand communicated itself to the hundreds of spectators who were watching. Two canoes were the main concern both of the Maoris and the whites who watched. The boats have been made by the Maoris themselves, and follow exactly the type in general use for ages before the white man came. They are painted in dull red, and along their topsides are traditional decorations in black and white, relieved with bunches of feathers. They looked crazy craft, but their crews handled them if not with complete mastery at first, at least without coming to grief. It is a faculty of the Maoris, at: once apparent to anyone who has had anything to do with them, that they are able to make a game of even the most serious work. Last evening, in spite of the depressing rain and the cheerless wind, the crews of the two boats found infinite amusement in their occupation. There were jokes all the time, the best of them unfortunately for the onlookers, made in Maori. There were snatches of song, and a general hilarity that was infectious.

Hundreds of people watched the boats passing up and down the deepened river, and each one saw a sight (hat might have been seen on any river in New Zealand centuries before the white man came. The crews, 10 to a boat, and enough to sink them to within inches of the gunwale, were stripped to the waist. They were garbed below in piu pius, and in their hands those of them who were not paddling carried old Maori weapons. Before their crews became used to them the canoes wobbled perilously, but each threatened upset was a signal for renewed mirth for each genial company. "Not bad for salt water people," said a Maori woman who looked on critically. She was actually too critical. The scene was vivid, and it needed little imagination to see it not as a rehearsal, but as an actual vignette from the life of a race untouched by civilisation. The Maoris are desperately anxious to make their contribution to the entertainment of the Duke an outstanding part of the general welcome, and from what could be seen of it last evening, it will be picturesque in the extreme. RIVER CARNIVAL LAUNCH FOR THE DUKE The 19-loot motor-launch Arawa which will carry the Duke of Gloucester over the course for the river carnival this evening, was. successfully launched on the Avon yesterday morning. The boat was lowered over the parapet of the Carlton bridge and into the water. Twice during subsequent trials with the boat the propeller had to be freed from weeds, but it is understood that the weed nuisance will be remedied before the carnival. It is intended to put on canoe races at a point about 200 yards downstream from the landing near the Carlton bridge. Canoes will be provided free. aiu. prizes will be given. Entries will be received at a point on the river bank, indicated by a flat: on which will be the word 'canoe." between G. 45 and 7 o'clock. this evening. There will be two classes —one for surf canoes, and the other an open clflss. Private owners of canoes are invited to enter. SPEED IIOATS TO TAKE PART The speed boats to take part in the river carnival on. the Avon this evening will be the Atalanta, the Whoopee, and the Big Chief. The organisers of the carnival are hoping that members of the public standing on the river banks will take care 10 avoir! the wash from the boats as they pass. Mr R. S. D. Hurman has agreed to judge the decorated boats. CATHEDRAL SERVICE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS Following are the arrangements for the accommodation of the public at the Cathedral for morning service at 11 o'clock to-morrow, when the Duke of Gloucester will be present:—First ticket holders, with the exception of those coming in the procession, must be in their places before 10.45 a.m. Their tickets will not be available after that time. They will enter by the north transept door. The general public will bo admitted by the doors of the north and south porches. There will be about f>oo free seals, and all scats not filled by 10.45, with I lie exception of those set apart for !he official and civic parties, will also be available for the general public. CIVIC WELCOME TO HE HELD IN HARRACKS IE WEATHER WET It has been decided that it the weather is too wet, the civic reception to the Duke of Gloucester will he held in the King Edward Barracks to-day. A decision will be made ■ "■ a int'.'ting in the City Council Chambers at 10 a.m. Every endeavour will be made to advise citizens should a change of venu'? be n:ce sary. MAIN SOUTH ROAD CLOSED FOR THE ROYAL CARS A special request to the public to co-operate with the police in keeping the Main South road from Ashburton clear this morning, has been made by Superintendent D. J. Cummings. From the time the Royal procession leaves Ashburton at 10.40 a.m., the road will be closed to traffic both north and south until after the cars have passed. Intersections will be policed, but as motorists may get on to the road from by-roads, they are advised that they must pull off the road and stop as soon as the Royal cars come in sight. The public are asked to observe tho same regulations along the route through the city.