RAROTONGAN VISITORS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21708, 25 January 1934, Page 13

RAROTONGAN VISITORS

HUI AT TOKOMARU BAY CANOE THAT DID NOT RETURN [by TELEGRAPH OWN' correspondent] GISBORNE, Wednesday The hui at Tokomaru Bay in honour of the Rarotongan chiefs opened this afternoon with the arrival of the visitors, who received a hearty traditional welcome from a large assemblage of natives from all parts of the east coast.

Over 300 Maoris in full Avar paint participated in hakas and dances in honour of the visitors, which were given first by individual tribes, including those of Tokomaru, Hikurangi, Ruatoria and Waiomatatini, and then in mass formation with great animation. The visitors were welcomed in a short speech by one of the leading chiefs. Makea Tinerau, leader of the Rarotongan party, in responding caused much merriment by the statement that' the people of the east coast came to New Zealand in a Rarotongan cahoe which they had failed to return. "If they had done so," added Makea, "we would have been here."

Makea Tinerau was then given the key mi the new meeting house and a short ceremony followed, designed to dispel the influence of the builders from the building. A further and more elaborate ceremony, that of lifting the tapu, will take place to-morrow, when a big gathering of Maoris and pakehas is expected. To-day's assemblage of natives totalled about 700 and after the brief ceremonies the remainder of the afternoon was devoted to feasting, for which ample provision had been made. Tlio evening was devoted to a musical entertainment, in which both the Rarotongans and the host tribes participated.