TIKITIKI HUI

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22433, 1 June 1936, Page 11

TIKITIKI HUI

EAST COAST MAORIS NEW DINING HALL OPENED UNVEILING OF MEMORIALS [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] GISBORNE, Saturday Not since 1926, when the East Coast was visited by the then GovernorGeneral, Sir Charles Fergtisson, has Tikitiki been the scene of such activity as has been displayed during the past week in preparation for a hui. The meeting opened yesterday with the arrival from many parts of the North Island of tribal delegations sent to take part in the dedication of a new dining hall on the Tikitiki tnarae and to share in the ceremonies relating to the unveiling of memorials to two prominent Ngatiporou personalities, the late Lady Arihia Ngata and the late chief, Rauhuia Tawhiwhi.

Approximately 2000 people were gathered on the inarae last evening and a further 1500 were expected to-day. The hosts turned out in their best tribal regalia to welcome friends from other parts and also to take part with them in the customary mourning for those of the Tikitiki marae who have passed away within the past year. To hosts and visitors alike the new dining hall provided for the settlement was the centre of interest. The con-v struction methods excited a great deal of discussion and admiring comment. The hall represents a further step in combining European and Maori styles of construction, having the i.iore durable outer materials, borrowed from the European, lined with raupo and reed work. The raupo lining of the ceiling is particularly effective and older people present noted with appreciation how completely the pakeha characteristics of the outer building were masked by the interior decorations.

Tim hall was opened to-day with appropriate ceremonies.