Descendant Of Marsden At Maori Festival

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29818, 10 May 1962, Page 16

Descendant Of Marsden At Maori Festival

(New Zealand Press Association)

HAMILTON. May 9. An unexpected visitor to the first national Anglican Maori festival which opened at Turangawaewae Pa. at Ngaruawahia this afternoon was the great-great-great grand-daughter of the Rev. Samuel Marsden, the first missionary to come to New Zealand * She is Miss Barbara Hope, of Sydney, who to on a month’s tour of New Zealand and happened to be in Hamilton today. Hearing of the Maori gathering only 12 miles away she went out and received a very warm welcome.

Several thousand Maoris from throughout New Zealand have arrived at the pa and It is expected that more than 5000 will have participated before the festival concludes. The pa resembles a military camp with rows and rows of tents. Although the primary focus

of the festival is on spiritual activities, Maori culture and arts will be strongly emphasised with nightly concerts and craft displays.

Among the judges of choral, haka and poi dance competitions are the Rev. Ktogi 'haka, vicar of the Wellington Maori pastorate and a national radio authority on Maori language and customs; Guide Rangi, of Rotorua; and Mrs Kahu Morrison, mother of the singer, Howard Morrison, who Win also be present Conferences for adults and youth and a children’s mission will be included in religious activities Most of New Zealand's Anglican Church leaders will participate during the week. The Bishops of Waikato, Auckland. Nelson. V Wellington and Aotearoa were in attendance this afternoon and the Archbishop is expected later. The Minister of Maori Affairs (Mr Hanan) will also attend the festival at the week-end.