KAWHIA REGATTA

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 79, Issue 7147, 19 December 1949, Page 8

KAWHIA REGATTA

AN OLD-TIME CONTEST AWAROA’S SUCCESSFUL CHALLENGE (By E.H.S.—Concluded) It was quite contrary to the principles and practices of the good folk of Awaroa to be excluded from or denied the opportunity of participating in local functions, particularly if they were related to the realm of sport . Added to this sentiment was the fact that there had been recently a considerable infusion of virile sporting blood introduced by a number of young settlers, who had taken up and were in the process of making homes in the Valley. The native element, therefore, together with the new arrivals, rather resented the imputations of rival districts and were determined that the next New Year regatta would include a representative craft which would maintain the honour of their locality. Like t the poet, they asked: “ Mjust we sit still and make no fuss, While these chaps climb all over us?” Graceful War Canoe So they consulted an old Maori of the settlement who had a long-stand-ing reputation for canoe construction, and he undertook to turn out something special which would display his skill of craftsmanship and do credit to Awaroa. A handsome koroia tree was selected far back in the bush, its barrel clear of laterals for fully seventy feet, clean and straight as a rush. With due ceremonials the tree was felled anl gradually there emerged from that massive trunk the shapely lines and graceful curves of a war canoe. Finance and food supplies were plentiful, so that there was no lack of volunteer labour, while the select few pakehas were allowed to assist the master craftsman. Lest the sanctity of the new vessel be desecrated by unhallowed hands, some of the latter were initiated and admitted into the inner circle of the tribe, and claim that right until this day. Eventually a perfect war canoe was complete in every detail, and a public holiday was proclaimed to celebrate the launching ceremony. Short ropes of dressed fibre, attached to and spliced along the gunwales provided grips for the transport team on each side, and all the rites associated with the launching of the Tainui centuries before were repeated—the canoe bidding farewell to the tu-mu (stump) which had given it growth and maturity.

Heading the procession was a huge Highlander, and the strains of his bagpipes re-echoed through the forest as he strode forward to the waterside. This episode may at first appear incongruous, but a “ brither Scot ”, who contributes a two-column description of the circumstances to the local paper takes some pains to show how Caledonia invariably assumes leadership. Quoting from lan Hay, history shows how the Northerners of Great Britain had peacefully penetrated to the South, and captured all key positions, finally placing a Scottish king on the English throne. Miore to the point, one of the number had started a lend-loan outfit in London, dubbed it the Bank of England; and had thus obtained control of the national money-bags. Then, with their Celtic cousins in Wales, the Scottish and Wfelsh (according to Lady Megan Lloyd George) had ru’;ed England y<|ell and with much “ credit.” They had brought their musical instruments with them, which had easily overwhelmed the kettle-drum in military marches. This had primarily been invented, it is said, to drive away “ evil spirits,” and whi.e eliminating the evil had retained the spirits, which had been nationalised, and had inspired many patriotic songs, such as “ Just a Wee Deoch an’ Doris,” etc. Launching Ceremony It was therefore quite appropriate that the notes of “ The Campbells are Coming ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! ” should ring out the approach and advent of the canoe to the river. After the party had been fortified by a refreshing repast of pork, pipis, and potatoes prepared by the waiting crowd, the new craft glided gracefully into the rising tide, being christened Rongo-» Ko-Haere, our friendly reporter assuring us that the contents of the bottle were not wasted, as is too often the case. Due honour was paid to ‘the crew to navigate the vessel on her new arrivals by allowing a pakeha crew to navigate the vessel on her “ trials.” As few, if any, had ever embarked previously in a Maori canoe the paper account states that the initial voyage was anything but a success, as Rongo-Ko-Haere went anyhow, anywhere, and everywhere in spite of the encouragement and advice of the spectators on the river-bank, who seemed highly entertained. However, as the tide was still flowing, the vessel drifted back to its mooring, and a specially-chosen Maori crew took their seats. From the manner in which the vessel shot down that romantic river it was quite apparent that Awaroa had something capable of meeting all opposition the next day in Kawhia.

The Actual Race The remainder of the population followed under various means of transport, and the “ bookies” found their support so enthusiastic (off-course betting was legal in those distant days) that when the race did eventuate started an “ odds on favourite.” And what a race it was ! Round the Pipi Bank was the course, and with every stroke it appeared as if Rongo-Ko-Haere was leaving her rivals completely outclassed, reaching the winning post with half the harbour between her and the second and third canoes, which struggled home with a photo finish. However, her triumph was shortlived for no other district ventured to challenge Awaroa’s speedy craft, for this was the last war canoe race ever fought out on Kawhia Harbour. But, fortunately for Kawhia, the Caledonians remained to become the forestry, mainstay, and backstay among boatmen of our waterways. The article concludes with enthusiastic references to the manner in which his clansmen had maintained their superiority in naval and maritime matters from the Poles to the Equator. Occasionally a few Engilsh names crop up here and there, such as Drake, or Nelson, or Cook, but—«. Due deference to our reporter, who belongs to a class more or less invariably infallible impels the admission that it would be difficult to imagine All Black representatives devoid of a “ Scott ” as the outstanding player, or to suggest a touring team of cricketers with whom another “ Scott ” was not included, leaving the selectors with a simple task of picking the balance from a bunch of ordinary mortals.