MAORI PAGEANT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 307, 26 November 1937, Page 2

MAORI PAGEANT

BIG JUBILEE FEATURE. SPECTACULAR DISPLAY. Depicting in a vivid and spectacular manner the life and history, the customs, tribulations and happiness of the Maori race from the time of their settlement in Neiv ... Zealand to the present day, the Maori pageant staged at the Showgrounds last evening as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations proved a memorable event. It was a cavalcade both picturesque and expressive. To the pakeha it conveyed a deeper understanding of the Maori people. The brilliant lighting effects gave the .pageant an added touch of spectacle, throwing into romantic glamour the picturesque Maori pas with their attractive carving effects. Manuka palings dividing the enclosures, _ the striking appearance of the Maoris in their native dress, the stirring haka-s I and bewitching poi dances made an , impression of realism that was both pleasing and striking. The pronounced success of the cavalcade must have been cause for extreme gratification to the organisers, and the smooth and finished presentation of a lengthy and difficult programme under weather conditions that must have proved trying to the scant-ily-clad participants showed that the preparation had been both extensive and well-directed. The whole performance was under the able direction of the Hon. W. Moffat, M.L.C.. while Mr R. Cakeek, as secretary and highly mentator, was invaluable and highly efficient. The Maori programme was compiled by Mr R. Marumaru, and Mr Taite Te Tomo had charge of the hakas and pois. Mi - W. Hines acted as adjutant. Fully 70 Maoris participated, representing Pikiahu Wae Wae (Tokornngi), Ivauwhnta, Ngatiapu (Rangitikei) and Rangitano (Rangiotu) tribes. SPEECH OF WELCOME. Prior to the pageant a speech of welcome and feheitation was made on behalf of the Maori people by Mr Hoani Meihana Apakura. “We, the Maori people wish to offer vou our salutation and felicitation oil mis memorable occasion,” said the speaker. “We are happy to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Palmerston North. The years have gone by and have seen many changes. Our fathers in their time saw Palmerston North in its primitive state and watched its growth. Today we can see a great city that lias sprung from what was once a barren wilderness. We seo the old giving away to the new and, in the words of our forebears, can say, ‘When the old net is old and fails to hold, the new net shall be sufficient.’ ” The speaker expressed the hone that the future of Palmerston North would he full ol success. ARRIVAL OF THE TAINUI. The romantic story of the discovery of these islands by members of the Maori race was depicted in a most vivid and delightful manner. About 40 generations ago, or in A.D. 1350, occurred what is known as tho Haiwaiki migration. Seven canoes—the Tokomaru, Mata Auta, Kurahaupo. Arawa, Aotea, Takitumu, and finally the famous Tainui, set off for , these shores with their crews of adventurers seeking the beautiful and mythical “Land of the Long White Cloud.” The first phase of the pageant showed the stately Tainui, manned with picturesquely clad- warriors paddling slowly up a superbly prepared stream in representation of the arrival of the Maoris in New Zealand. The navigator and priest, Hoturoa, is said to have been guided by the stars and by the powers of his incantations. In any case it was a remarkable piece of navigation, and the portrayal last evening of the arrival gave a realistic impression of how it came to a glorious and triumphant conclusion. After appropriate thanks to the gods for their deliverance, the party joined in a spirited liaka, “Tureki, tureki, paneke, panelce.” The next phase showed the Maoris in their everyday lives in the pa and provided an opportunity to disclose the intimate customs and games common to all the tribes.. It also served to act as an excellent setting for the sweet rendition of “E Pari Ra” by Mrs Rangi Akuira. A visiting tribe was then welcomed, and stirring hakas of haeremai were raised into the still night air. Suddenly, the sentry aroused his rejoicing friends with a warning that an enemy canoe was approaching. A spectacular mock battle followed, settled finally by the rival chiefs meeting in mortal combat. The home chief was presumablv slain, and the battle wss ended. It is interesting to note that at this stage the engagement can he arrested bv the women of the defenders’ tribe. The savage war cries and weird prancing of the combatants struck a realistic note in this part of the performa nee.. COMING OF THE PAKEHA. The arrival in New Zealand of the Europeans was tho‘turning point in Maori history. To give some impression of the change that took place, a tableau was presented, depicting Rev. Samuel Marsdeu (portrayed by Mr Haeana) holding a service, the Maori interpretation of the 100th Psalm creating a deep impression, Tho next scene was a portrayal of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, in 1840, by Governor Hobson, and many powerful chiefs including Rewa, Moka, He Ivemara. Hone Heke, Tainati Pukutntu ahd Tamati Waka. Nene. The portrayal was excellent, replete with ’’red-coats” and ceremonial. The scene changed swiftly to the present day, and Maoris were shown once more at peace in their pa. “Hold, Hoki, Tonu Mai” was charmingly 6ung by the phi maidens, followed by two stirring action 6ongs, “Ope Tuatahi’ and “Pipiwharaura” (“Tiriti o \Vaitangi”), bringing the programme to a, close. On behalf of the citizens of Palmerston North and of the City Council and the iubilee committee, the Mayor (Mr A E. Mansford) extended to the assembled Maoris his thanks for the, r excellent contribution to the jubilee celebrations and for the good wishes expressed bv them.