LIFE IN BIG CAMP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21716, 3 February 1934, Page 13

LIFE IN BIG CAMP

8000 MAORIS AT WAITANGI . / CHEERFUL DESPITE RAIN COOKING IN HANGI OVENS COLOURFUL CLOTHES [BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER] © "WAITANGI, Friday The weather last night and to-day wholly belied the promise that the improvement of yesterday afternoon would be permanent. Rain fell after dark and continued until mid-day to-day in increasing volume, but held off this afternoon except for one heavy downpour. A special train load of 700 natives from the east coast and Whakatane, which arrived at Opua before breakfast, had an unenviable trip to Waitangi, travelling in crowded launches through the drenching rain, with the result that all, except those in the cabins, arrived wet through. However, the Maoris are very patient about such discomforts and there were no complaints. The new arrivals were quickly disposed in marquees and provided with a hot breakfast. Two large tents were set apart and fitted with lines on which they could dry their clothes. Late this afternoon it was estimated that there were 3000 people in the camp at Ti Point. The magnitude of the food supply can be gauged by yesterday's consumption, which was nine bullocks and 8001b. of bread, without counting potatoes, kumaras and shellfish. More Arriving Than Expected Estimates of the southern contingent have already been exceeded, and tho Native Minister, Sir Apirana Ngata,who is now the executive head of the camp, spent all to-day in the location of sites for more tents and supervising their erection. Nearly 20 extra tents are now on order and will be put up as soon as they arrive. The northern people are still coming in and probably will continue to do so until Sunday evening. A big dining tent seating over 1000 is now fully occupied at each meal for two sittings and, in addition, hundreds of northern natives are dining in marquees across the road near the kitchen. Tho rain ,so far has not hindered the activities of the cooks who, aided by experience handed down from their forefathers, easily keep the hangi ovens going in the heaviest downpour amid dense clouds of steam. These ovens are mostly used for meat. Potatoes are cooked in the most ingenious -modern fashion. Numbers of large galvanised steamers are made to fit into a-washing copper, which holds a stack of,three or four steamers, which together hold enough for more than 100 people. • ! Animated Scone The camp now presents a very animated scene with hundreds of people strolling about the roadway and marae and between the tents, or talking in groups. Possibly a larger number lay resting in tents upon mattresses or piles of raupo, their suitcases arranged in neat rows between the lines of beds. Since the arrival of the southerners there are relatively fewer very young people, the majority being in the prime of life and up to late middle age. Generally ; the bringing of children or very -old people has been discouraged and few are present who are much over seventy. The gay colours of the girls' and women's dresses are very noticeable and the display extended this afternoon to long rows of dresses fastened to dry upon wire fences. The men's garb runs the whole way from dungarees to smart suits of/plus fours. The camp police have been increased in numbers and their scarlet armlets are seen everywhere. The town crier is still at /his post on the high staging, but now'' the routine is better established and his voice is not heard so often.

Canteen and Canvas Shops Other camp activities are developing fast, the canteen is beginning to do a brisk trade and barbers and clothiers have set up canvas shops. Representatives of the religious organisations arrived to-day with portmanteaux of New Testaments in Maori, which were offered free to all who were prepared to accept them. The camp generally is kept in very tidy condition and the absence of rubbish would do credit to a military encampment. The health of the inhabitants remains excellent and no one is in hospital. There were no ceremonies on the marae to-day to welcome southerners who doubtless will be included in the welcomes which it is expected will be given to-morrow to King Koroki and the Rarotongans. The young people of the northern tribes gave an excellent concert last evening after the usual religious sen'ices, beginning at 10 and not ending until after midnight. The proceeds, about £l6, are being devoted to the provision of dresses for the dancers and waitresses. Finalising the Programme 'The arrangements for hakas and speakers on Monday are still under aiscussion and will probably not be finalised until Sunday. At present there appears to be a surplus of talent since the time is limited to two and a-haJt hours. There is also the question of space on the ground for the accommodation of -performers and spectators. The official programme for both i\laoii welcomes on Monday, and the ceremony on the treaty site the following afternoon, still stands as originally announced. Details were discussed to-day by the departmental officers, who met representatives of the Waitangi National Trust at the Residency. A final announcement will possibly made to-morrow.

TRAINS FOR THE NORTH EXTRA ARRANGEMENTS A special train is scheduled to leave Auckland for Whangarei this morning after the departure of the e £P res * f ? r the north at 8.40 o clock. The Railway Department has provided the extra 'train owing to the heavy bookings, and it is due to depart a quarter or an hour after the express. This evening there will be limited space available for ordinary passengers on the specia train taking Maoris north at ii.o o'clock, but it is necessary to reserve accommodation. Special excursion trains have been arranged to run between Whangarei ana Opua on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday mornings, returning to Whangarei each evening. * . The special train of sleeping cars which will be utilised by members of Parliament and their wives and families, at Opua during the celobrations will account for a large proportion of the total supply of sleeping carriages. There will be no possibility or «. shortage occurring, however, as the normal Main Trunk express requirements have been studied, and a spare sleeping car is held in readiness at [Wellington and at Auckland.