TWOFOLD MISSION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19248, 13 February 1937, Page 4

TWOFOLD MISSION

HAWKE'S BAY MAORIS PARTY VISITS DISTRICT A party of 40 Maoris from Hawke's Bay arrived at Manutuke last night on a twofold mission—to strengthen the bond of fellowship and goodwill between the Ngatikahungunu tribe (Hawke's Bay) and the local tribe (Bongowhakaata), and to mourn together.the loss to each of those who have passed away, especially to those who have done something in the, past for the good of their respective thus 'serving a further purpose of keeping green their - sacced memory; The £arty arrived in one bus and several private cars. For the past two days the Manutuke people have been preparing the marae for their arrival.

After! dinner a Divine, service was held in one of the meeting houses, which was' packed to the doors. This was followed by the Manutuke people making welcome speeches to their visitors, who later in the evening replied. The oration on both sides was typical of the old Maori, and probably the best and most original that had been heard in the district for' many years, the interspersion of short hakas and chanting being most effective. The orators now and again made solemn references to the dead. The Hawke's Bay chieftainess who passed away recently, Tangiora, the late Rev. P. Hakiwai, who was vicar at Omahu, Mr. Rua Takahirangi, Manutuke, and others wore frequently mentioned. The party will leave for Tokomaru Bay to-day to continue their mission.