VISIT TO PA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23276, 20 February 1939, Page 10

VISIT TO PA

AMERICANS IMPRESSED

PRINCESS TE PUEA'S WORK

ENTERTAINMENT ENJOYED

£from our own correspondent]

HAMILTON, Sunday Eight members of the Lerner scientific expedition, 60 members of the Auckland branch of the Overseas League and 80 members of the anthropological section of the Auckland War Memorial Museum visited the Ngaruawahia Pa to-day. Tho visitors were welcomed by Princess To Puea Herangi at a Maori farm adjoining the pa, and were entertained to lunch. The food was cooked in Maori fashion and tho novelty and quality of the meal were much appreciated. Songs, Hakas and Poi Dances

After inspecting the farm and the up-to-date methods employed in milking and caring for tho dairy herd, the visitors went to the pa, where a programme of Maori songs, hakas and poi dances was submitted. Among those present was Mr. Alfred Hill, the composer, and much interest attached to the singing of his composition, "Waiata Poi," by Miss Te Mauri Meihana, of Hotorua.

An address of welcome was given in Maori by the Rev. M. Kcepa, and replies wore made by Dr. W. K* Gregory, of tho American party, Mr. F. 0. V. Acheson, on behalf of tho Overseas League, and Messrs. G. Archey and M. G. Lee, of the Auckland Museum. , Afternoon tea was dispensed in tho meeting house, Mahinerangi, and the house of King Ivoroki, Turonga, was inspected. Centennial Canoes The large Maori canoes that are being built for the centennial celebrations were also inspected. There are several craft in course of construction, but a great deal of work remains to be done to them before they aro completed. The hulls are filled with chips to keep the sun off. Mr. M. Lerner, leader of the American party, said he was greatly impressed with the work Princess Te Puea was doing for her people and with the splendid feeling of harmony and mutual respect that existed between the pakehas and Maoris. The three parties later returned to Auckland after a most interesting outing. When the visitors were leaving the pa, a party of American yachtsmen arrived and were shown through the buildings.