MAORI WEDDING AT OTAMATEA

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7221, 9 January 1885, Page 6

MAORI WEDDING AT OTAMATEA

[from a correspondent.l

Christmas passed very quietly in this part of Kaipara, the Maoris having reserved their good things for New Year's Day. The last night of the old year was spent in amusements and singing of hymns and pieces taught by Mrs. Winkelmann, of the Maori school at Ponto, whose success in this department has been very remarkable. As twelve o'clock drew near guns were fired at intervals, to give warning of the death of the old year, and as the New Year dawned the church bell rang, and all assembled for prayers. So began the year 1885. January Ist being the day appointed for the marriage of Philip, son of the well known chief Perana, to Kate, grandaughter of Mark, whose name is a household word among the residents of the Pahi, most of the land there having once belonged to that re* nowned rangatira, and who was always looked upon as the matua, or parent, of his pakeha children, much interest was shown by the European friends, who assembled in considerable numbers to witness the ceremony, and to enjoy the hospitality of their Maori neighbours. The day was fine, and the few dark clouds that overcast the sun at times only made the scene more enjoyable, veiling the intense brightness of the orb of day as it gleamed on the scarlet blossoms of the pohutukawa, now in full glory, and showed to advantage the soft bright green of the ferns and nikau in the forest, which forms the background of the pretty scene, in the centre of which nestles the Maori church, on the bank of what has been aptly termed "the queen of rivers." The mind naturally reverts to events that took place on this very spot 60 years ago, when Bongi held high festival and a feast of a very different kind was held, the remains of the cannibal repast being hung up in Maori kits on the branches of the largest trees in the immediate vicinity of the spot where the church now stands. English trees and shrubs are everywhere following the example of the pakeha, who takes possession wherever he goes, and are to be seen growing side by side with Maori trees, and in time will probably do so to the exclusion of the " sons of the soil." You may here see English rosea and honeysuckle, Maori veronicas, weeping willows, kowhai, clemaf is, pines of various kinds, blending and contrasting, and forming the ornamental growth on this "forest sanctuary," where the "rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep " in the adjoining cemetery. Bat we must hasten on, as the bell calls the wedding guests. " Who tolls the bell?" is the question asked. Why, who but Kitohi himself, who is, of course, in his glory among his Maori children. The church is nearly, full; Maoris take the seats in the centre, leaving the side seats for their guests. A student from Three Kings is at the harmonium playing a lively air, while the bridal party march in proper order up the aisle, and take their places on the first seat in front of the communion railing. The bridegroom la also one of Mr. Watkins' students, and the best man another, so it is plain that the Three Kings Institution has done well for Otamatea this year. All rise and sing a translation by the late Mr. Bobbs of the hymn '* Good Lord remember me." The tune is said-to be of Tahitian origin, and much resembles a chant. The effect was plaintive and sweet. Various parts were taken up,; and sung in good time and tune, doing much credit to all. The marriage service was read in Maori, though both parties speak English well. An English young lady performed the duties of chief bridesmaid for her Maori friend, showing the good feeling which prevails between the two races in the district. Indeed to a very great extent we attribute the present happy state of things to the excellent example of the white population of the Kaipara. We venture to say no district in New Zealand has been blessed with a better class of settlers. Long may they live to enjoy the fruits of their industry and self-reliance. The dress of the bride was of a very pretty light material, trimmed with lace and flowers. Orange blossoms of course formed the wreath, and over all fell the bridal veil, white kid gloves completing the costume. The happiness and self-possession depicted on her countenance was very pleasing, while the bridegroom showed a little nervous timidity as he placed the ring on the finger of his smiling partner. They then signed the register. The Rev. Mr. Gittos called on the chief, Arama Karaka, to lead in prayer. After the Benediction all went to congratulate the happy couple, who afterwards proceeded to the large house, where the kai was laid. Plenty there was, and of the best. Meats of various kinds, and new - potatoes in abundance; plumpudding, pies, tarts, cakes, all of Maori make, bakers' bread and buns. The kai was kapai, and, best of all, there was plenty of it. Drinks there were too— tea, coffee, ginger beer, and lemonade. About sixty sat down with the bride and bridegroom. After several relays most of the visitors were served and the Maoris at liberty to enjoy themselves, which happy state of things lasted for several hours, and then tables and forms were taken out and the room cleared, for entertainment of another kind of amusement was the order of the evening. Music was provided, a Maori playing a concertiua. Dancing was kept up till twelve o'clock, all being conducted in a most orderly fashion, and reflecting great credit on all parties. Amongst the guests we noticed Mr. and Mrs. Haszard, under whose tuition the bride and bridegroom acquired their early education, while in matters domestic, young Mrs. Philip is indebted to Mrs. H.'s instructions. ' Too much praise cannot be given to those who thus persevere, in spite of much to discourage in endeavouring not only to teach, but to lead the way, and who must have felt rewarded for' their pains on this occasion. We must not omit to . state that on New Year's morning a Blue Ribbon meeting resulted in over thirty joining, chiefly young people who signed their names and took their decorations. Many happy times have been spent at Otamatea, but none happier than the wedding day of Kate Kira.