MANY VISITORS EXPECTED FOR REHUA OPENING

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29366, 19 November 1960, Page 4

MANY VISITORS EXPECTED FOR REHUA OPENING

Maoris from all over New Zealand will attend the official opening by the Prime Minister on December 3 of the South Island’s first carved Maori meeting house at Rehua Maori Boys’ Hostel. Christchurch. Besides most of the prominent rangatiras or chiefs from each tribal district there will be hundreds of visiting Maoris from outside Canterbury. A random look at the list shows more than 80 from Central Waikato (including Princess Piki, daughter of King Koroki, who has medical advice not to travel far), 50 from Taranaki, 27 from Tauranga, 50 from Picton’ (with a special requested for more), 50 from Dunedin, and 40 from Invercargill. Many more are known to be coming, though they have not formally answered the invitation sent to all maraes. Arrangements have been made to billet Maori visitors at the Christchurch Show Grounds; but all meals will be served at Rehua over four days of celebrations Two of the largest marquees available (both 181 feet long) will be erected on the adjoining St Mary's tennis courts made available by the Roman Catholic Church.

The Army will erect 20 field cookers in nearby former stables and there, and in nearby hangis. Maori cooks from Bumham Military Camp will prepare traditional meals under the direction of the Army catering superintendent (Lieutenant P. Leonard). This week two tons of potatoes

were given by a Christchurch auctioneering firm and another ton is required. Lyttelton fishermen have already put in store six eases of fish-and two of eels. Twenty cases ot fish are required So far the caterers are short on promises of shellfish such as mussels, pauas, kinas, and crayfish. Cool stores are available to keep any offered. Big quantities of meats and vegetables have been offered but more could be accepted. Meanwhile the expert Maori carvers are pressing on to complete their work at the meeting house. Yesterday a start was made on the teko eko—the principal figure on the apex of the roof, which has prime significance in Maori ancestry. One unexpected problem has cropped up in a shortage of paua shell for the 200 eyes on interior carvings. In responce to an urgent apeal this week, some shell has been received and Maoris and skin-divers have offered to seek more fresh pauas this week-end. The bag restrictions are a limiting factor. The tapu on this carved meeting house, said to be the finest in the country, will be lifted .at 5.4 S am. on the opening day by Waikato elders.

Tar Pot Fire.—A pot of boiling tar m the yard of the Lyttelton Engineering Company's premises m London street. Lyttelton, caught fire at 9.45 a.m. yesterday. The Lyttelton Fire Brigade put out the blaze. There was no damage. t .. „