A MAORI GATHERING AT KENNEDY'S BAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11605, 20 March 1901, Page 5

A MAORI GATHERING AT KENNEDY'S BAY.

[BY TELEGRAPH. CORRESPONDENT.] . Coromandel, Tuesday. A huge concourse of Maoris is expected at Kennedy's Bay at the end of the present week, in connection with the opening of the new church and meeting-house. Visitors are already arriving from various outside districts, and the e.s. Omapere called at Kennedy's Bay yesterday with a number of influential Hawke's Bay and Poverty Bay natives. The church and meeting-house will be formally opened on Friday next, and the gathering will continue for a week. It is expected that hundreds of visitors will assemble, and elaborate preparations have been made for their entertainment. There will ba various amusements organised, and the natives will go through pois, hakas, and other Maori dances. An abundance of eatables and drinkables will be provided. : A general invitation is extended to the residents of Coromandel and surrounding districts, and all Europeans will be welcome. A number of Auckland visitors and Waikato natives are expected to arrive on Friday morning, per the p.s. Terranora, a cheap excursion having been arranged by the Northern Steamship Company. A Maori korero will take place, and it is intended to discuss the recent legislation affecting the Maori race. The gathering will have more than ordinary significance, as it is intended as a means of commemorating the memory of the late Chief Paore Te Putu, who made a gift of Kennedy's Bay lands to the Ngatiporoua, or Bast Coast natives, and by so' doing cemented friendship between the Hauraki and East Coast tribes.