MAORI MEETING HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21137, 21 March 1932, Page 10

MAORI MEETING HOUSE.

OPENING AT WAITARA. PICTURESQUE CEREMONY. In the presence of two or three hundred people, including a number of Europeans, the new Maori meeting house at Manukorihi Pa, Waitara, was officially opened, dedicated and presented to the people last Friday. The day was characteristic of Maori gatherings, the feature apart from the actual opening and dedication ceremony being the large number of eloquent, addresses delivered by leading Maoris in their native tongue. The. 18i.li day of every month was set aside in the olden days by the prophet Te Whiti as a holiday for all his people. In the centre of the pa stood the emblem of Te Whiti—the white feather, and the inscription which reads as follows: "Glory to God on High, Peace and Goodwill toward Mankind." The morning was devoted to speeches of welcome. Mr. 11. Parata, of Waikanae, speaking as it were to the late Sir Maui Pomare, facing the vault said: "In the ordinary sense of the word you arc dead and though we mourn our loss, we_ realise more than ever that your voice speaketh more forcibly than previously. What better memorial can wo have than the universal recognition of your greatness? Your canoe by following your advice is maintaining its balftnce." Other speakers welcomed Lady Pomare and family.