AN INTERESTING CEREMONY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIII, Issue 12162, 28 March 1900, Page 3

AN INTERESTING CEREMONY.

[Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, March 27. The Maori-consecration (or kawanga) in connection with C. E. Nelson’s carved house by the Arawa and Ngatiawas at Rotorua'was concluded to-day, a most interesting ceremony, which will never be witnessed again in New Zealand. The house opening was carried out in strict accordance with the ancient Maori religion, two of the most noted old priests in the island conducting the ceremonials. The ceremony of freeing the house from tapu was performed by old Ra-ngitahau, a noted priest from Taupo, formerly known as Te Kooti’s chief executioner. The first operation was that of kindling the sacred fire, known as “ the oven of Taua.” This fire is the last lingering relic of fire, worshipamongst the Maoris. Among the incantations was the well-known prayer used by the priest of the Arawa some centuries back when that craft was crossing the Pacific Ocean, and subsequently the priest recited an ancient heathen karakia at the pillars inside, freeing the house from tapu. The house was named Roufu, after the originator of the carving art in New Zealand, who lived on the east coast twenty generations ago.