SIGNIFICANT HAKAS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 27, 1 February 1934, Page 12

SIGNIFICANT HAKAS

TWO WAITANGI JOKES

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to the "Evening Post.")

WAITANGI, January 31,

The Maori is a born humorist and revels in subtle wit. Parliamentarians in genera], and the Hon. A. D. McLeod in particular, will realise this next week. Two special hakas, one for Parliament and the other for tho member for the Wairarapa, who was chairman of the Nativo Eating Commission, have been composed, and they convey in gesture what no words could express. As one of the officials smilingly remarked tonight, those hakas have solved the problem of allowing two hundred advocates to speak simultaneously on the same subject. The compositions are the work of the Ngapuhis, and the perfected movements were kept secret until today, all the rehearsals having been carried out under cover, in the presence of a chosen few only.

Today one haka became general camp property, but was still a surprise and a delight to the distant sub-tribes, who did not reach tho point until this afternoon. Bain and wind did not deter the haka teams—the pick of the homo tribes who had been in residence—and they followed their stirring welcomes with tho newly-composed haka which .depicts what the Ngapuhis think of the reception Parliament has given the petitions with which the Natives have flooded the General Assembly in recent years. The haka was received with roars of laughter and shouts of delight. Even the uninitiated could read the story told by. gesture of arm, leg, and tongue. It is not complimentary to Parliament, but it is offered in good part. Similarly, the figures cut in the haka yet to be performed should leave no doubt on the mind of Mr. McLeod as to how the Natives view tho provisions of the Eating Amendment Bill. This also will be presented on the salver of humour.' It is typical of the Maori outlook that grave and gay should walk hand in hand. Tho home tribe is very proud of the two efforts.

For the past three days the weather at Ti Point, the site of the great Maori hui, has been of the worst, although the Natives have accepted their lot cheerfully, hoping that there will be no rain left for Monday and Tuesday.

Sir Apirana Ngata and party arrived this afternoon, and the first of the southern tribes will arrive tomorrow morning. There will be. more visitors on Saturday and Sunday, and if the weather clears, there will be ceremonial welcomes.' The Parliamentary and viceregal parties are to arrive oil Monday. -