AT WAITANGI

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 56, 3 February 1934, Page 2

AT WAITANGI

GREAT SUPPLIES OF FOOD. THE CAMP ARRANGEMENTS. Per Press Association. WAITANGI, Feb. 2. Although it marked the arrival of the largest contingent of Natives, today was quiet at Waitangi. The driving rain, which fell early, had no sooner cleared than the Ngapuhis commenced to make arrangements for welcoming the visitors in fitting style, but they were again frustrated by the rain.

The Maoris abandoned all thoughts of outdoor ceremonial, and spent the time in rest. This was greatly appreciated by travellers, to whom, ever since they set out for their Mecca, sleep has been taken 'in snatches. The inherent love of debate, however, kept a number from their beds, and groups assembled in sheltered corners to listen to words of wisdom from the ancient rangatiras.

One large marquee was devoted entirely to drying operations, long lines of wet garments and blankets being strung from corner to corner. Plenty of hot water was available, indicating the magnitude of the provision made by the commissariat department. Half a ton of flour was used in baking cakes, although the main bread supply is drawn from Whangarei. Special kinds of bread are baked for those with distinctive tastes. To-day 200 41b. loaves, and nine bullocks were consumed in the Native camp. To the inland Natives pipis, of which ample supplies may be obtained nearby, and fish, are a rare treat. On the marae ground, where the ViceRegal party will be welcomed next Monday, are grass-covered mounds of old pipi-beds, some of which perhaps are relics of the camp used when the Maoris assembled to meet the Queen’s emissary. Owing to the high wind, fish is in short supply, and boatmen who have been fortunate enough to make any sort of catch find a ready market.

In the ceremonial with which subtribal visitors were welcomed yesterday, Mr Jack Henare, a brother of Mr Tau Henare, M.P., and at one time a successful track athlete, outstripped the others to such an extent that he was able to turn round every now and then and grimace tantalisingly at his pursuers. An interesting relic on the heach at Waitangi is a half section of the Omapere canoe. This boat was launched on the adjoining river over 100 years ago, and was manned by Ngapuhi in the race with the Waikato at the Auckland Exhibition. On that occasion the Waikato boat, which was manned by 100 rowers, had a distinct advantage over its northern competitor, which had 40 aboard. Tire kauri challenges totara as a timber for withstanding time and tide is shown by the excellent condition of what remains of the Omapere canoe.

Included among the English nobility who will present at the celebrations will ,be the Duke of Northumberland, the Earl of Weymss, and Lady St. Clair Erskine. Sir John Sandeman Allen, M.P., will also be in attendance. Captain Priestly, of the marines of the H.M.S. Dunedin, accompanied by Sir Cecil Day, secretary to the Governor-General, will arrive by air on Saturday to complete arrangements for the official ceremonies.

This evening there are indications of an improvement in the weather. All energies are being bent upon making the Native part of Monday’s observance one which will live long in the memories of both pakeha and Maori alike.

A special train brought the remainder of the East Coast Natives, and some from Whakatane and Opotiki, 700 in all. Choppy seas and driving rain made the six-miles launch trip from Opua most uncomfortable, ana it was a draggled party which stepped from the open boats on to the temporary wharf at Waitangi.

MAORI ORATORY.

LINK WITH CHRISTIANITY.

Per Press Association. WAITANGI, Feb. 3. A very large meeting was held last evening, addressed by various speakers interspersed by numerous chants and laments. One party sang Hongi’s wife’s lament over the death of Hongi, recounting his exploits and the leading incidents in his life. The principal speakers were Mr Taite Te Tomo, M.P., and Rewete Koliere, from the East’ Coast. Mr Te Tomo referred to the Treaty of Waitangi as having died several times and having been resurrected several times. He championed Sir A. T. Ngata and. advised the Maori people to keep him in Parliament, as nobody else could take hi§ place. Rewete Kohere replied on behalf of the East Coast tribes and particularly the Ngatiporou Tribe. If the Treaty were dead, he said, he would bury it and he recited part of the burial service. He contended that the spirit of the Treaty still had life and it could, only show that life by kicking, speaking and seeing. He hoped the Ngapuhis would make the meeting successful and repay all the people for the trouble gone to in coming here. The speakers were graphic in driving home their points. “This is my first visit to the Bay of Islands,” said Rewete Kohere, “and there are spots round the bay which are the most historical in New Zealand. Before I landed at Waitangi I took off my hat-and when I trod on the soil I felt like taking my shoes off- as was said of Moses —‘Take off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the ground on which thou standest is holy ground.’ “We come from the land of sunrise,” continued the speaker, “as did the Wise Men who come from the East to worship the Saviour at His birth. We come- to the shrine where the Government was born and to the shrine where the Church of New Zealand was born, and we bring gifts not of gold, frank-incense and myrrh, but of affection, thoughts and help, and I may say, of appetite.”

RAIN STILL PERSISTS. NATIVES NOT THWARTED. Per Press Association. WAITANGI, Feb. 3. After the fine morning the weather has again broken, a downpour setting in while the dancers and crowd were lined up awaiting the arrival of the party of 700. Tile toas danced defiance to the weather, hut nearly everyone else nought shelter, subsequently reassembling, and the welcoming ceremonies are now in full progress. King Koroki has arrived, also the Bishop of Aotearoa (Bishop Bennett). He and Archbishop Averill will take part in a mass religious service on the marae in front of the grandstand tomorrow afternoon. CHIEF OF RANGITANES. HISTORIC' FLAG POSSESSED. Chief of the Rangitane tribe, Mr Rang! Wawhete (W. Moffatt), of Awapuni, will represent a large section P of the Manawatu Maoris at the Waitangi celebrations. He is a grandson of Peeti Te Awe Awe, the chxef-

tain who was presented with a flag from Queen Victoria. This historic emblem, which has been kept in Palmerston North, has been taken North by Mr Moffat to be shown at Waitangi.

MINISTERS ATTENDING. SPECIAL TRAIN FOR MAORIS. The Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, Prime Minister, and Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Finance, were passengers from Wellington on the Limited express last night for Auckland, on their way .to the Waitangi. celebrations. Hon. J. A. Young, Minister of Health, was to leave AVellington this afternoon on the express for the same destination.

Mr J. A. Nash, member for Palmerston will also be joining the express which leaves Palmerston North at 6.26 p.m. to-day, en route to Waitangi. AA 7 hen a special train for Maoris left Palmerston North last night, having started at Wellington, it was composed of ten cars. AA 7 hen the train left AVellington it was of six cars, but owing to a large number of Maoris from Hawke’s Bay joining it at Palmerston North, four more were added at this station. The train left at 7.15 p.m.