GIANT WAR CANOE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 118, 12 February 1940, Page 8

GIANT WAR CANOE

To Remain At Waitangi GESTURE BY TRIBES {.By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 11. The giant war canoe “Nga-Toki-Matawhaorua,” which has presented a magnificent spectacle at the Centennial celebrations at tlie Bay of Islands, is to remain at Waitangi and be a companion to tlie whare-runanga, or carved council house, erected by the Maori people to commemorate the generous gift of the Waitangi Estate to the nation by Lord and Lady Biedisloe. This was tlie unanimous decision of tlie northern tribes assembled in conference at Waitangi, and is in Hie nature of a gesture of loyalty to the British Crown and Empire, with continued gratitude for Lord Bledisloe’s gift and in appreciation of tlie interest shown in the Maori people I - Lord and Ladv Galway. The tribes decided al Waitangi that tlie canoe paddles, and tlie costumes for its crew, lie handed over for safe custody to (lie Waitangi National Trust Board to hold in perpetuity, subject only to the title of ownership remaining'in the northern tribes.

However, tlie canoe is to lie available for the use of tribes on important ceremonial occasions. When not in use it will lie stored in a special building of Maori design to lie erected close to the council house. Carefully preserved it should remain there for hundreds of years as a perfect example of Polynesian culture and Maori naval art. ‘Pile canoe was built by Ihe northern tribes from (lie norllieru forests, and wholly with northern money.