WAITANGI SIDELIGHTS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 77, 13 March 1934, Page 3

WAITANGI SIDELIGHTS

H.B. Maoris’ Experience EUROPEAN MANNERS REBUKED Borne sidelights on the recent celebrations at Waitangi were revealed to Napier Rotarians yesterday by Mr W. T. Prentice, who accompanied the Hawke's Bay Maoris to the scene of the activities. He began his remarks by stating that the celebrations had done much, he thought, to do away with some feuds amongst tlio Maoris which had existed for many years. In addition, hard feelings existing between Maoris and I’akehas in some quarters had also been abolished as a result of the celebrations Mr Prentice acted as guide and spokesman when he accompanied the Hawke’s Bay Maoris to Waitangi. As the party approached its destination, the Maoris showed great interest in the country-side, where once had lived some of their much revered chieftains and where, later, stood headquarters of the missionaries. When it arrived at Waitangi, the party was thrilled to sec a Maori warrior rush out into the open and execute a most realistic war dnncc. Later, the crowds of spectators had the opportunity of witnessing hakas, into which the Maoris put all their heart and soul. One thing that displeased the Maoris nt Waitangi was the large number of Europeans who took it upon themselves to enter the Maori compound. “There were lots of Pakcha girls roaming about,” said Mr Prentice, “and Europeans were taking photographs. The Maoris did not like this, because they thought this intrusion a breach of etiquette. "The Hawke's Bay Maoris did very well indeed in the competitions there, but they did not enter for the links competitions as they did not know there wore any. But their concert items wore most enjoyable. "On the return trip by train the Hawko’s Bay Maoris behaved very well indeed. There was much amusement when one Maori, thinking the train was going too fast, stopped it by means of the emergency signal in the carriage. When the guard questioned him, he stoutly denied that he had been responsible.” A vote of thanks vas passed to Mr Prentice for his interesting observat ions.