KARITANE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2373, 24 August 1899, Page 30

KARITANE.

August '21.— Wednesday last was observed here as Arbour Day, the day being kept ma very "ala manner. Over 2000- trees were planted, Maori and pakeha. working side by side from S a.m. till mid-day, old any young entering into the troe-planting with the greatest ze3t. After dinner (hot, supplied free to all) a sports committee took the field, and a long programme of sports, races, etc. (including two trots, two flat races, and a point-to-point steeplechase for horses) was carried through, lasting well into the evening. High tea- was then supplied in the hall to those who chose to partake of it, and the day was finished off by a ball, at which the hall was crowded. Singing and dancing were indulged in until daylignt, when all scattered for home, thoroughly tired and pleased. The whole of the arrangements were carried out under the auspices of the Karitane District Improvement Society, of which Mr J. Parata is president and Dr Truby King vice-president. Great praise is due to Mr W. Harper, who acted as starter to the sports and M.C. to the ball, and to the committee, not forgetting Mr Harry Blath•wayt, the energetic secretary to the society. Tangi. — A large gathering of Maoris and visitors took place at Karitane to-day, when a tangi was held over the remains of the late chief Raweni Mamaru, who died at Waihao, aged 61. The funeral also took place to-day " in the presence of a large number of visitors, Natives from Nelson to the Bluff being present to take part in the ceremonies. The deceased -was the oldest remaining chief in this district, and so, although absent for some years from the local pa, his remains were brought down to be interred with those of his family, ill of whom are buried here.