GOOD-BYE TO ALL THAT

Northern Advocate, 7 February 1934, Page 10

GOOD-BYE TO ALL THAT

CANVAS CITY DISAPPEARING ... VALEDICTORY FEATURES. GENERAL INCIDENTS. (Special to “Northern Advocate.”) . WAITANGI,. This Day. ■Canvas city of .mushroom growth, Ti Point, will bo practically deserted by this evening if the transport arrangements of the camp authorities are adhered to. To the accompaniment of wailing grief, COO of the visiting natives made their departure last night, and it is expected that the balance of the south of Auckland tribes will move today. By every form of road vehicle and'sea vessel, members of the Ngapulji, the home tribe, left Ti Point last night, a sufficient percentage remaining to attend to cleaning-up details and to assist in the dismantling of the tents and marquees. The Rarotongan Party left at 10 a.m. today. . Most of the members of the Parliamentary party left Opua by special train at 10.10 last night, bnt some of the, Ministers are making a more leisurely trip back to Auckland by road. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. "W. Forbes, and the Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, will attend the opening in Auckland of the Royal. Show. The Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. R. Masters, will spend Thursday in Auckland and confer with representatives of the milk producers.. Launch traffic in the harbour yesterday was nearly as substantial as on Monday,, due mainly to Ibe volume of departing visitors,*, both European and Maori, . , It is now expected that the award of Te' Rehi'a Cup, presented by Lady Bledisloe, will be made tonight. ■’ Bridge Open. The new bridge is open to through traffic, - but most of the motorists at the , Waitangi A.A. camp are remaining for a few days. There were so many tents pitched on the property yesterday that camp- .. ers required the assistance of officials ; in the locating of their-quarters.

Physical Stamina. Practising and-performing their native hakas and pois all day and dancing all night, the younger sot among the natives at Waitangi have proved that the Spartan characteristic is still present in the race.' Their endurance lias been little short of remarkable. However, the general fooling among those attending the hui is that they will make up for arrears in sleep on their return to civilisation, and that the lights of life are worth pursuing whilst opportunity offers. Midnight bathing has . been quite common, and was much appreciated by braves whose stamping and leaping in unaccustomed movements resulted in sore and battered feet. All records were smashed on Monday night, when, after the most strenuous ceremonial, the younger folk commenced a dance. As usual, the marquee was crowded and many waited outside until midnight in order to take their turn. Pakoha visitors who retired early wore surprised to hear the strains of music still emanating from the tent at daybreak yesterday morning. With drooping eyes and feet which dragged rather than glided, the couples jazzed to music which had been made accommodatingly slow. iPevcral times the M.C. announced the last waltz, but everyone clamoured for just one more, and breakfast was on in the diningrooms before the prolonged • dance came to its end. Fascinating Maidens. Quite a sensation, especially among those who have become accustomed to the quieter hues of native costuming, was created by the appearance at the Residency function yesterday of a group of fifteen dancing girls, part of “King” Koroki’s suite from the Waikato. Clad in grass skirts reaching almost to the ankle, with vivid rod undergarments showing through, and peacock feathers in their hair, the girls went through the sinuous movements of a dance which was Eastern rather than Maori in motive. Although the blacksmith’s shop at the camp end of Waitangi Bridge was not used yesterday, an outbreak of fire occurred mysteriously on Monday night. About eight o’clock flames were sooning issuing from the site, but the conflagration was quickly extinguished with chemicals, A fair amount of gear was stored in the shop, but little damage was done. • *

Thousands Depart. A saddening atmosphere permeated the camp today as thousands loft for their homos. After Divine service last night, speeches of farewell were delivered, the spokesman referring to. the unique occasion, all the tribes having met in perfect harmony. Unanimous tribute was. paid to the Ngapuhis, the hosts of the hui. Again the younger people danced until long after daylight. A happy reunion was held between old pupils of the Te Aute, St. Stephen’s and Victoria Colleges’ returned soldiers.

The Rarotongans, who entertained friends at a concert, left by cars today for Opononi, where they will spend tonight, then proceeding to Auckland and Ngaruawahia, prior to leaving from Wellington on the 20th,

UNFURLING THE FLAG

SYMBOL OF BRITISH RULE.

JUSTICE—EQUALITY—PEACE

(Special to “Northern Advocate.’’)

WAITANGI, This Day

The Governor-General, after unfurling the flag at the mast-head in front of the Residency yesterday, addressed the assembly as follows. —

"It affords me great joy to unfurl this Union Jack over the cradle of this Dominion—the spot on which was signed the Treaty of Waitangi, whereby New Zealand became part of the British Empire. "May this flagpole never be broken clown, and may this flag, the symbol of British rule, ever betoken justice, equality and peace between the two races. God Save the King.”