MAORI WELCOME LESS BORING THANPAKEHA'

Northern Advocate, 31 May 1948, Page 4

MAORI WELCOME LESS BORING THANPAKEHA'

NORTHLAND ELDERS BELIEVE

RUSSELL, Mon. (0.C.). —Representatives of Northland Maori tribes, meeting at Rawhiti before the unveiling of a war memorial there yesterday, decided to ask the Government to extend the time allowed for the Maori people to welcome the Royal Family from four days to eight.

“Maoris are amazed that only four days have been allocated on the score that the ceremonies would be long,” said Lieut.-Col. J. C. Henare. “It is more likely that pakeha welcomes held every two hours would bore the distinguished visitors. The traditional ceremonies of the Maoris would tend otherwise.

To commemorate those who had served and fallen in the two wars a Maori war memorial and roll of honour were unveiled and a memorial dining hall opened at Bay of Islands. Tribal representatives from Wanganui, Rotorua and Waikato were present.

“We are asking that eight days be given us so that we can show our love and devotion towards the King and Queen and Princess Margaret.” Other decisions made by the tribal council were:—

The members of the official party— Mr I. Pritchard, Judge of the Native Land Court, Mr T. P. Paikea, M.P. for Northern Maori, and Colonel Henare were welcomed in traditional manner on the marae by the Rawhiti Maori women.

That the marae would be at Waitangi. That Maoris would finance the welcome themselves, but if the Government contributed, so much the better.

AFTER THREE WARS Colonel Henare, in translating the speeches of 'the elders of various tribes, said they all made reference to a statement made by an Auckland clergyman. “After three wars together the Maoris and pakehas have joined forces to promote peace. Do not break the harmony that now exists,” was the theme of their remarks. “If equal in battle why not in peace?” It is deplorable that statements should be made by irresponsible people which only give rise to unnecessary distress.” The memorial dining hall, built by the local Maoris on ground given by Mrs Te Paia Rewha, was erected on a site overlooking the bay.

WILL SEAT 120 Constructed of concrete and capable of seating 120 people the hall is fitted out with all modern conveniences. The kitchen is up to date and equipped with oil fuel burners and an oven. The hall has its own butcher’s shop at the back. Throughout there is concealed electric lighting. The war memorial is made of granite and the role of honour of carved wood. Forty names are painted on the board representing all those who fought and fell in the two \Vars. About £BOO was raised by donations to furnish the hall. The dedicatory service was conducted on the steps of the hall by the Absolute Maori Cooperative of Purerua. All ministers were dressed in ceremonial robes.

Mr R. Saunders spoke on behalf of the RSAs of Russell and Kawakawa.