THE STAGE SET

Evening Star, Issue 21637, 5 February 1934, Page 11

THE STAGE SET

BEGINNING DF WAITANGI CELEBRATIONS [Per United Press Association.] . WAITANGI, February 4. ' The stage is all set for the Waitangi Treaty celebrations, which will be commenced to-morrow. The last of the Maori parties, those from Taranaki and Wanganui, came into camp to-day. The Matai with the vice-regal party aboard arrived off Russell last evening, and in brilliant sunshine His Excellency (Lord Bledisloe) made the trip to Waitangi and motored to Mount Bledisloe. A great reception awaits Lord and Lady Bledisloe to-morrow. Their interest in the Maori race and their gift of the historic house and land have appealed to Native sentiment and imagination, and these will find expression in dances by selected teams from the assembled tribes, all of which are represented by over 5,000 Natives present, and the dances will excel anything seen since the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales to Rotorua fourteen years ago. The marae with an area of several acres has been the scene of many colourful crowds. As each party ot visitors arrived there has been a great assemblage, all in camp rolling up to welcome the newcomers, and they seem never to tire of dancing displays. The Prime Minister (Air Forbes) arrived by car yesterday, and-a special sleeping express brought to Opua this morning the balance of the parliamentary party numbering 140. Sir Apirana Ngata will take a foremost part in all the welcoming ceremonies. The week-end saw a big influx of visitors, and the motorists’ camps are well filled. A big meeting of Maoris has been held every evening to discuss the matters to be placed before His Excellency for presentation to the Gpyern- ' ment. ’ The final meeting will be held this evening. The northern Maoris took a keen interest in the youthful King Koroki, who was recorded a reception yesterday 'afternoon. Sir Apirana Agata, referring to the treaty, said it was the foundation upon which intertribal friendship had been made possible. Without the Gospel and without the treaty the tribes which were mingling so happily to-day would probably be still at enmity. This afternoon Bishop Averill and Bishop Bennett, of Aotearoa, conducted a_ service before a very large congregation in the marae. Afterwards, before thousands of people, the Wanganui and Taranaki Maoris and the Rarotongans danced; and sang. The Rarotongans looked very picturesque and pleased immensely.