SUNDAY WEDDING

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1929, Page 7

SUNDAY WEDDING

CEREMONY AT MAORI PA. The marriage on Sunday of tv.o popular young Alains (one, the 'lircefc Uvae.nuutit oJ Jugli chiefs of the AYuiohua tribe) at pukaki Pa, Mangere, Auckland, happily coincided with iha reuepiion uy culef Naipi Winlmna of about sixteen motor car loads oj .-aicMand ivugoy League football officials and members of the Northland executive, and players, who had previously lunched at liowick. Despite the wet weather the visitors had a most enjoyable time amongst the natives, who gave hakas and provided liberally of music and refreshments. The wedding, wind) had taken place just bciure noon, created immediate interest.

Although Sunday, it happened to bo the 18th of the month, which date, following a custom instituted nearly a \century ago by two notable JUranaki (i'arihaka) prophets, _ Te Whiti Orongomai and T'ohu Rakahi, lias always been upheld as a day for, important pa fixtures, including marriages. This tradition has been maintained by Chieftainess Eokupaki, an influential personality at Pukaki. Sot the wedding, however contrary to Eurupean Sabbath observance, had to go on. The parties were Te Hiko Wirihana Takanini. (Mr Joe Wilson), the only son of Pericho Wirilmna Takanini, and Hiko Hiko Kawiti (Nellie Moore), daughter of the late Amoa Kawiti. The bridegroom is a nephew of Chieftanieps Kohupalii, of the AYaioliua tribe, living at. Pukaki. He is also a grandson of Ehaka Takanini, Reihana Te Haupatahi and Mold TeahioLen'gu Tehan.patahi, all ancestors of noble birth. Accompanied by a group of swarthy young men, the bridegroom and best man, a cousin, Tom Pau, duly awaited the appearance of the bride and her little bridesmaids, cousins (Misses Rangi and Kara AVilson), and the diminutive train-bearer, Johnny Wilson, a cousin of the bridegroom.

CHIEF RON GON 111 OFFI CIATES, The nuptials .were carried out in full Maori customs, picturesque an impressive, the old chief Rpngonm officiating with august ceremonial becoming his dignity. First Mita Karaka delivered the lengthy incantations known as “Karakia,” a historic offering of prayer, and then the couple answered the usual questions associated with European 1 marriage. Alien the bride received the ring, she and her husband were congratulated bv “hongi”—the rulbbing ■ of noses—and hand clasps. The bride, petite and' shy, looked charming in her veil and wreath of orange .ujoskouih, while over 1 her shoulders she wore a valuable mat of toroa feathers. She ’ carried an attractive bouquet of jonquib, feriis and maidenhair. In accordance' with Maori custom bride and bridegroom each wore a white feather in the hair, a plume which gave an added touch oi grace to their appearance. All the' principal participants in the gathering wore gorgeous mats (korowai). Many tribes were represented in the gathering held in tile commodious Assembly Hall (Raliu Pokerc), and the four hundred people included many European friends of the contracting parties and their people, who adjourned to the large dining hall in another building to celebrate the marriage.- The tables were richly loaded with Maori delicacies and an array of pakeha foods," including a wedding cake, which was ultimately divided into many small pieces as Lukens. A lengthy toast list was honoured, Messrs Kirkwood, Kanaka, G. Searle and J. Elliott being amongst the speakers, who. conveyed good wishes for the happiness of a young warrior and his waliine joined in the bonds of matrimony.

The arrival of the visitors nfc the pa lent a note of high revelry to the occasion, and tho visitors were quick to join in the festivities and congratulate the parties, Wilson being one of several hi others well known in Auckland iootball spheres as members of the Mangere' League Cluo. It was truly a day of days at the native settlement, and the rejoicings were continued into the evening.

As Chief Napi Wirihana said, it was his heart’s desire that his guests should enjoy the fullest hospitality of the pa. He added: “I extend to you all, on behalf of my people, an expression of. the most cordial pleasure that you have come here. Kia ora!” (Applause.)