RUATORIA NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18323, 15 February 1934, Page 12

RUATORIA NEWS

(Herald Correspondent.) The natives who journeyed to Waitangi have all returned to their homes thoroughly delighted with their trip. The transport orgnisation for so large a number was very good. The attractions on the wav created a great deal of interest arid lessened the dreariness of such a long trip The Maoris passed the time away with hakas and songs and .made every hour pleasant. The hospitality extended to the travellers at Gisborne, Ruatoki, Kaikohe and Waitangi itself had a great deal to do with ensuring a happy time. The holiday spirit prevailed, and was only marred for a period when news arrived at Waitangi that a member of the Ngatiporou tribe had met with a fatal accident. The arrival of the Ngatiporou tribe at Waitangi was the scene of many renewed friendships, and Ngatiporous and Ngapuhis could be. seen pairing off to go and renew old acquaintances. Some met friends after 23 years. There is no doubt that the gathering at Waitangi has done more to cement the friendships of the different tribes and with the pakehas than has any other hui held in the memory of the present generation. After such a long drought the district is now receiving more than its share of* rain. l The rivers have all risen. The rain has freshened all the pastures and the dairy herds are reaping the benefit. Cows wliich were beginning to decline in their production are coming back to near their full milk yield. The price to be paid by the local dairy factory for butterfat snpplied during the last month shows a decline. The Ruatoria Rodeo Club will lie holding a meeting on Tuesday next, the business being the presentation of the balance sheet and report. • At the last meeting it was decided that no meeting would be held at Easter, and that in lieu of the rodeo a sports meeting would be conducted. It is hoped that this will eventuate, as it is some time since a sports meeting was held in Ruatoria.