MAORI FETE AT PUKETERAKI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2539, 12 November 1902, Page 9

MAORI FETE AT PUKETERAKI.

The southernmost of the "Maori Councils lately established undei the Native Councils Act— the Araiteuru Council, whose, district extends from the "Waitaki River to Stewart Island — held their first meeting at Puketeraki on Saturday last. Beforp the council can successfully initiate sanitary reform and ccnimence its career of local government it is necessary to have some funds in hand. In view of this fact the council decided to hold a fete at Puketeraki on December 26 and 27. The Natives in the south are already making preparations — hakas and poi dances are being practised, whilst the elder people are busily employed making the baskets and fancy goods which are so admired by the Pakeha. All the kaiks in the Araiteuru district will take part, and picked men are being sent from kaik to j kaik to teach the same dances and hakas. I Natives from the North Island have also been invited to assist. There will be between 200 and 300 Natives taking part, so that the war dances should be marked by the necessary volume of sound which lends vigoui and excitement to the ancient customs of the MaoriiThe Puketeraki Natives, havilg gained experience in the conducting of carnivals, have selected as the site for the fete a beautiful spot . just above the Puketeraki railway station. A charming little patch of native bush flanks it on one side, whilst the sloping hillside forms a natural grand stand, which will enable everyone to get a. full view of the entertainment." The proximity to the statiou will thus save all anxiety about drains. .The catering will be attended to on a very large scale : and not the least item of interest will be the cooking of food according to the method, in vogue before the advent of civilisation • with the pots and pans which dealt a death-blow to the culinary J art of bygone days. Bullocks, sheep, and pigs will be roasted whole in Nativa kaingas, with ' potatoes, vegetables, and other 3iecess*rie». j " Paraca tao," which wa-s such an esteemed delicacy amongst the warriors and chieftains ' of the south, will be prepared. Rar* imtive plants and valuable ferns will be exhibited for sale in stalls, which, with their decorations of red rat* blossoms from Stewart Island, should form a feature of the fete. A strong committee , has been formed, who will spare no effort, to make the entertainment » success.

During last month 83 burials took place at the Karori Cemetery, Wellington.