PICTON NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 156, 7 July 1902, Page 2

PICTON NOTES.

(from our own correspondent.)

On Friday evening a welcome home social was given to the returned troopers, of whom seven of the Seventh were present, and also several of the earlier returned troopers. In the absence of the Mayor, Mr Riddell received the men, and on behalf of the residents tendered them a hearty welcome. At the conclusion of his speech all in the room stood up and joined in with " For they are jolly good fellows.'' Mr Fell spoke on the war generally, and Mr Howard, for the troopers, thanked the residents for the welcome accorded them. The soloists for the evening were Miss Gibbs, Messrs Riddell, J. Price and Masters. Mr and Mrs Riddell also sang the duet, " I Heard a Voice." Dancing was kept up till 3 a.m. The hall was decorated with flags, a picture of Mr Seddon as the angel of Peace, and a banner bearing the legend, " A Welcome Home to Our Boys.

THE MAORI KORERO

On Thursday the primary proceedings iv connection with the Native meeting at Waikawa began, though nofching more interesting than small food processions and quiet koreros took place during the next few days, as the natives were awaiting the arrival of the Hon. James Carroll, Tamati Parati, and several influential North Island chiefs.

When they arrived at the pah at 10 am. on Sunday, the whole pah went out dressed in mats and waving green branches to meet the distinguished guests. Songs of welcome were chanted, and the party proceeeded to the compound, where a small stage had been erected, and furnished with chairs and Maori mats. Himoni Petti (Simon Pettet), the Maori prophet, held a service to begin with, in which his followers and supporters joined and others listened to with interest.

Then began the business of the day. An address of welcome to the Minister, and speeches of welcome by A. Rore (Wairau chief), Dan Love (Waikawa chief), Karira Watson (Waikawa), Simon (D'Urville Island), and others, which were replied to by Mr Parati, Mr Carroll, and others, who urged upon the Natives the necessity of united action in the matter of election for the Council, and the desirability of electing the best men to fill such an important position. The future of the Maori race depended upon their deliberations. As Mr Carroll poetically expressed it, " The Maori cry was ' Give us a Council; give us a Council.' They were there to elect a Council, and they niust know that though kingdoms might rise and kingdoms fall the law was law for ever."

Several of the speakers were evidently born orators, and though the pakeha spectators did nob understand the language spoken they fully appreciated the uninterrupted flow of oratory poured out by the speakers.

At the dinner recess another in teresting scene was enacted. The Ministerial party of distinguished guests were entertained by Mra Love at her residence, and welcomed by her in Maori fashion as they proceeded np the pathway. Other food processions left the various houses in the village, and with chants and dancing, met at the gateway and proceeded to the compound, where a dining-room had been erected with many little contrivances for saving labor. The splendid management, which fed so many Maoris, and European visitors also, —for, as we all know, hospitality is only one of the many charming traits of the Maori race, —was much appreciated. The young men, attired in aprons, waited at table, and the young girls made tea and washed the dishes.

lii the afternoon the Yen. Archdeacon Grace held a service in Maori, and was listened to with interest by the assembled Maoris and almost ail the inhabitants of Picton, who had by this time arrived. All denominations were prosent, and enjoyed the singing of the Maoris immensely. Even the prophet himself joined in. There were more speeches afterwards, and needless to say that everyone of the visitors went home impressed with feelings of respect for our Maori neighbors.

The Hon. Mr Carroll and Mr Parati leave to-night for Wellington, but it is expected that the proceedings will last for a few days longer.

The New Zealand Ensign flies above the prophet's flag at the gateway of the compound. It was the other way up at first, but better councils provailed, and Himoni allowed the emblem of his religion to tako second placo. On his flag is inscribed in Maori the "seven rules of Jehovah," which contain the articles of his religion.