CAMP SIDELIGHTS

Northern Advocate, 6 February 1934, Page 4

CAMP SIDELIGHTS

SUNBURNT MAORIS. BATHING ETIQUETTE. MORE OK LESS NATURAL. (Special to “Northern Advocate.”) WAITANGI, This Day. The unusual sight of sunburnt Maoris was common in the Waitangi encampment yesterday. All the ceremonial dances are performed in native costume, which exposes the upper part of the warriors’ bodies. Sir A, T. Ngata went to bed last night with tender shoulders, and when chided on the susceptibility of the Maori skin to the sun’s rays, his re joinder was that the skin of the Rarotongans was even tenderer. They were obliged to rub cocoanut oil into skins before exposing them to the sun in order to avoid the inconvenience of sunburn. The European residents of Uailiia have been mildly scandalised by the manner in which the natives attending the hui have their daily bathe. While ceiivcntional costume Jignres on the loach in the daytime, it is discarded at night by those bathers who swim near the Waitangi Bridge, but the womenfolk, who bathe in a hill stream which is flanked by Ti Road, ignore passers-bv in carrying out their ablutions in a more or less natural state. To the native mind, there is no impropriety, and certainly no desire to offend European standards. Water and Pood. The camp water supply has proved inadequate to conserve what remains of the hillside spring. The taps are locked, except for specified hours, and late risers in mornings are compelled to wash in the sea. Between the hours of seven and eight a.m. and five and six p.m. water is available for drinking and washing purposes. The food supplies continue to meet requirements, notwithstanding tho heavy inroads. Rubbish Left Behind. Although the strictest supervision has been exercised over the dumping of rubbish in the Native camp, Pakeha visitors who had their meals yesterday in the official parking area left an accumulation of waste paper- and food remnants, the collection of which kept, a fatigue squad busy at a time when working teams were badly needed in camp. Strictly Sober. One of the most outstanding features of control of the 1 camp lias been the remarkable absence of insobriety. Liquor in camp is prohibited, and no smuggling has been attempted. One native arrived in camp in a condition which was regarded as unsatisfactory. He was promptly dealt with. In spite of the presence of a large percentage of young people in camp, perfect order has been preserved throughout. The camp was visibly impressed yes terday by the number of distinguished visitors, including the official party. Announcements identifying the oversea representatives were received with acclamation by the Maoris. Handy Naval Men. As usual, the Navy played its part. A shore party installed a portable, short-wave set and kept the cruisers iu touch with developments. A veritable town of tents has sprung up on the Waitangi Estate across the bridge. Many motorists camped there have failed to recognise the locality on their return from visits afield, and have had to seek guidance to then ciuartera in the camp, which has rapidly grown out of all recognition. Some petty thieving in the' camp is going on.