TONGAN LEADER’S DESIRE

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1934, Page 6

TONGAN LEADER’S DESIRE

CLOSE UNION WITH MAORIS BOND WITH TARANAKI TRIBES. IMPORTANT STEPS TOWARD WISH, In the, marriage of his eldest daughter, Takau, to Mr. Tiwi Love; Wellington, son of Mr. Hapi Love, who is closely connected with the Taranaki Maoris, Makea Nui Ariki, 0.8. E., leader of the six chiefs of the Rarotongan party of 30 visiting New Zealand, sees the strengthening of the bond that has existed between his people and the Maoris of New Zealand in general and those of Taranaki in particular. Makea Nui has also further cemented the bond and brought nearer to fulfilment his desire for closer union between the Taranaki Maoris and the Rarotongans, as expressed in a speech made at Manukorihi Pa, Waitara, yesterday, by his adoption of Miss Ana Pomare, daughter of Lady Pomare and the late Sir Maui Pomare. To her Mahea Nui has given the name Te Vaerua O-te-Rangi. It is a very old name in the Makea Nui Ariki family and means “spirit of the sky.”

The centuries old Rarotongan custom of O Ora, the exchanging of gifts, was the chief item on the programme at Manukorihi pa yesterday. There -were some beautiful examples of native work exhibited and exchanged between the parties. The Rarotongans gave mats, bed quilts, baskets, pandanas made of leaves of that name, articles made of coconut leaves, beads made of shells and dancing skirts. Makea Nui said the people of Taranaki were closer to the Rarotongans than any of the other Maori tribes. He wanted to see’ them brought closer together and steps to this end were the marriage of his eldest daughter to Mr;’ Tiwi Love and his own. adoption of Miss Ana Pomare. - .

The Rarotongans gave delightful exhibitions of their native art of entertainment. The young* people of both sexes were in full native costume—the skirt made of the bark of the burau, bandolier of kaka, headbands of natural shell of all colours skilfully formed into one headpiece and the crowning crest of feathers from the tail of the bosun bird. Their olive-brown, bodies were rubbed with coconut oil which caught the reflection of the sunshine as they swayed in graceful, alluring rhythm through the movements of the kapa and otea and gave voice to the enchanting imene. Last evening the Maori and Rarotongan parties entertained under the stars at the pa before admiring European and Maori spectators.

Before the concert Mr. John Damin spoke to a presentation of a mat made to Makea Nui in tribute of his fine speech during the day. Members of the party made a trip around Mount Egmont in the afternoon and saw as close as was possible in the limited time available another glimpse of the snow they had never before seen until coming to Taranaki. To-day the party will leave for Wanganui. Makea Nui expressed the wish to a Daily News reporter later that soon the Maoris of New Zealand would return the Rarotongans’ visit.