MANAIA MAORI DISPLAY

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1932, Page 10

MANAIA MAORI DISPLAY

COMMITTEE THANKS MAORIS.

KORERO AT THE DOMAIN.

An interesting ceremony took place at the Manaia Domain on . Wednesday evening, when the Manaia jubilee committee paid a visit to the natives encamped there to thank them for the excellent display they had given in the afternoon. Warm appreciation of the efforts was expressed by various members, and for over an hour a friendly korero took place between pakeha and Maori. The visitors expressed the hope that the natives would periodically revive the ancient customs and so perpetuate their knowledge and practice among the younger generations. Mr. E. Long thanked the performers for their fine display. The committee and visitors had appreciated it very much, he said. At first the committee was dubious whether the celebration could be carried through successfully, but now, by the splendid efforts of the Maoris its success was undoubted. They were uncertain how they would fare in the event of a loss, and they depended on the Maoris to help them through. By their fine display they had don 6 it. The pakeha did not want any of the money they had received for the sale of baskets, and he invited the natives to stay until the conclusion of the jubilee celebrations. Mr; J. A. Hansen, who had represented t-he committee in the final arrangements, apologised for the absence of Mr. J. 8. McKay and thanked all the Maoris for the way they had helped. The committee was completely satisfied, and he congratulated all the performers He requested them to stay until the end of the jubilee and asked if they would repeat their display on Saturday afternoon and evening. Many people who had seen both displays admitted that the Waimate Maoris had excelled the display given at Hawera. Mr. G. H. Meuli also voiced the cordial feelings of the committee. They had met as friends and all were equal. “Let all mankind be friends, and we shall all be better for it,” he said. Mr. A. H. Yarrow, chairman of the jubilee committee, said they owed a great debt of gratitude to the Maoris for the splendid way the demonstration had been organised. As far as the Maori tribes of the district were concerned they had outdone both Hawera and Patea jubilees. Messrs. A. J. Christie, D. G. Sherson and J. A. G. Cosgrove also spoke. In reply, Chief Nganeko said: “My most hearty welcome to my pakeha brethren. Ned Long and your committee, welcome? You asked that the display be given by all Waimate natives. After the efforts to-day you will see that we are all one. It is my feeling that the present generation of my people has forgotten the Maori customs, but the jubilee has revived the ancient customs.” The chief then called for a haka in honour of the pakeha, and the haka was most enthusiastically carried out. “There is nothing I would like better than that the old customs should not be forgotten,” said Mr. Long. “Do not forget your old customs. Stick to them, and I shall feel satisfied.”

Mr. Ashford said that after doing his best in the display that day he was very proud to know that their efforts had been so much appreciated.