SECOND EDITION. DANCING BEFORE THE DUKE.

Evening Post, Volume LXI, Issue 140, 15 June 1901, Page 5

SECOND EDITION. DANCING BEFORE THE DUKE.

TO-DAY'S DOINGS AT ROTORUA. RETURN TRIP TO AUCKLAND. [BY TELEGBAFH — PBESS ASSOCIATION.] ROTORUA, This Day. The Duke of Cornwall and his suilo arrived: on the racecourse at 9.30 tlihs morning, and occupied the grandstand, receiving a great ovation on taking their seats. The other stands, speoially erected, -were packed, apd there was a, huge concourse around, the grounds. The tribes came forward and performed hakas, and then all massed. There were about 2000 dancers, including a large number of women. The men. wers naked to the waist, wearing only pjuplus of reeds and flax, which were brilliantly dyed in many colours. They were armed with spears and battle- axes. The women were in varied costume, according to tribes, but all were picturesque. JEUstoric flags floated in the breeze from various parts of the course. „ - The poi dancing by the women was a charming ■ feature in the demonstration. The performers wore beautiful costumes of red and white, with coloured sashes, and their chants were remarkably' melo*. dious. Their evolutions evoked ringing cheers from the onlookers. Borne of the women were 'hideously painted, and those who took part in the hakas were as ferocious-looking as the men. The Ngapuhi and Arawa first approached the stand, and - their perfect drill was loudly applauded by tift Ducal party. Many of the presents mode were extremely handsome and valuable, and some ui"oue The Duke and Duchess left the grandstand and strolled among the groups of Maoris, receiving fresh ovations as they did so. ■ Major Fox, in presenting the model of the Arawa canoe to the Duke, Baid~* " Welcome, welcome, welcome. You have come hither from your illustrious father to bring the> love of your grandmother to vs — come to New Zealand to see the Maori people. My grandson, I present you now with a model -of thecanoe in which our ancestors came from distant fiawaiki. It is named the Arawa, after our people. I beg you. to accept it, and place it in your ancestral" halls." The ceremonies were brought to a close by the presentation of medals , to the several tribes represented. The Duke and Duchess' had left the 'grandstand some time before, and strolled among the groups of natives receiving new ovations. After the presentation of medals to the various chiefs, tS'e party entrained for • Auckland, the train getting aw»3 at 12.30 o'clock. AUCKLAND, This Day. The departure of the' Ophir for Wellington, has been postponed till 5 a.m. to-morrow. • ,