NATIVE WEDDING

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 102, 30 March 1929, Page 8

NATIVE WEDDING

(From Our Own Correspondent). FOXTON, March 28. A Native wedding was conducted at the Rakaupaewai meeting house, Motuiti, yesterday afternoon when ' Tawai Roiri, step sister of Mr Thomas Tuna, of Foxton, was united to Mr Mathew Hill, of Waipawa. The wedding was celebrated according to teachings ot Ratana and one of his disciples, Rev. Mr Maraenui, in the purple robes of his office, of the Rangitikei district, officiated. As the bride approached she was welcomed by several Native women and conducted on the arm of Mr Tuna to a place alongside the waiting bridegroom in the meetinghouse. She was attended by Miss M. Tatana (Levin) as bridesmaid, while Mrs Holgerson (Motuiti) carried out the duties of matron of honour and little Miss M. Roiri, a sister of the bride, acted as flower girl. Mr C. Hill, a brother of the bridegroom, was in attendance as best man. The bride is a daughter of Mr T. Napier, of Motuiti, and is well known in these parts. She was prettily attired in a cream dress, with silver"’shoes and orthodox veil and woro a string of pearls around her neck. The bridesmaid was attired in pink and the matron of honour wore a floral dress, all carrying handsome bouquets. The ceremony, which was conducted in Maori, occupied.about half an hour. Just prior to the ring being placed on the bride’s finger the minister asked the bridegroom in English: “Do you wish to shake hands with anyone?” The bridegroom turned round and grasped his brother’s hand. On the same question being put to the Bride, she shook hands with Mr Tuna, her step brother. The ceremony was then continued and tho minister, at the conclusion said in English “I wish and hope that the pathway between you two will be strewn with beautiful flowers to the glory of tho Lord. Good luck and God’s blessing on both of you.” As tho happy couple left the meetinghouse they were liberally showered with confetti, and outside a welcome was accorded them in the real old Native fashion by Mr P ißata, who danced and gestulated as he addressed the couple at some length. A wedding feast was then indulged in and the' celebrations were kept up last evening, Mr and Mrs Hill will make their I home in the Hawke’s Bay district.