VISIT OF MAORI KING

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1934, Page 6

VISIT OF MAORI KING

CEREMONIES AT OEO PA OPENING OF NEW MEETING HOUSE VIVID NATIVE PAGEANTRY SEEN. CEMENTING OF FRIENDSHIPS. ’ I (Special to Daily News.) There was a scene of vivid Maori pageantry at Oeo pa yesterday when King Koroki arrived to open a new meeting-house. The ceremonies that were witnessed were picturesque indeed. A crowd of between 2000 and 3000 Maoris and pakehas was present. Light rain fell abouf the . time of the reception of the visitors, and somewhat marred the ceremony, but otherwise there was keen interest, great enthusiasm and a warmth of hospitality that only the Native character knows. Maori maidens lined the regal routs and gave a cordial and respectful welcome in the traditional Maori manner. The Ratana brass band proceeded to the entrance to the pa and played in the visiting party. The king and his escorts slowly approached the meeting-house to be surrounded by an eager crowd, each anxious to glimpse the distingiiisned visitors. Maori men with taiha and mat cried out their ancient -welcomes. When given the key of the meeting-house the king proceeded to declare the new building open at the invitation of Mauriri Nuku, the oldest representative of the race belonging to the pa. The ceremony solemnly performed the visitors entered the building, whence chants and pleasing hymns were sung. Afterwards the assemblage repaired to the dining marquee seating over 400, where a feast was served. The culinary department had had a strenuous morning preparing for the hundreds of hungry visitors, but their work was well organised and everything was earned out with efficiency. SIGNIFICANCE OF VISIT. This was the first visit of the young king, who recently succeeded to the title, to Taranaki, and it was thought to be of such significance to the Maoris that representatives of all native tribes from Wellington to Auckland were invited to be present The event is regarded as one of special importance as cementing friendship between the tribes the Taranaki, Waikato and East Coast Natives in particular—and the demonstration and festivity that took place were ample proof that it succeeded. The occasion is also a jubilee. Fifty years ago the Oeo pa was established as a rest station —the final one before reaching Parihaka —for the travellers visiting Te Whiti and Tohu when the meetings at that Native centre were very large gatherings. The local Natives recently completed renovations and additions to the meeting-house. The marae yesterday presented a scene that will be remembered by both Maori and pakeha for many a year. It was a wonderful revival of the old communal habit of life, allied to the most modem and up-to-date methods of the European, such as electric light, drain-, age, water system, telephone and cooking facilities. Not only are there large modern ovens, but the old-fashioned heated stones also have been brought to use, and old women were busy yesterday cooking potatoes, kumeras and other foods in this way.

The festivities will be carried on over the week-end, and in the evenings dances and social entertainments will be held. On Friday night there was a large open-air picture entertainment. Opportunity is also being taken to transact more serious business, and the older men have been in council on many matters concerning the welfare of the Natives. NAMING OF BUILDING. The name' of the building opened yesterday is “Tipuohororangi.” The meaning of this word is not quite clear, but a baler used in one- of the canoes which first came to New Zealand was called by this name, and it is thus being perpetuated. The dining room which King Koroki and the distinguished visitors will-use is so beautifully decorated that those who have seen it aptly describe it as “fit for a king.” Among the most distinguished visitors are Mr. Haunui Tawhiao, the king’s /V/ grand uncle. Mr. Tonga Malinta* Mr. Tumate Mahuta and Mr. Rauangaga Mahuta, are uncles of King Koroki. Other prominent ones are Princess Te Puea, Mr. Taite Te Tomo, M.P., and Mr. Teri Kartini, M.P. Mr. T. Parata, a Wellington chief, was also present, but had to leave shortly after the opening ceremonies as he has to be. present at an Otaki function to-day. Last but not least is Mita Taupopoki, the venerable old chief of the Arawas,| who symbolised the goodwill that this tribe bring to their Taranaki brethren. All afternoon interested spectators filed past “Tipuohororangi,” peeping in through the doorway. Wonderful mats and exquisitely embroidered pillows were visible. Visitors were not admitted, as the king’s party' is using the building. An interesting feature in connection with this hall is that no women were permitted inside it until after the opening. All the work of furnishing and decorating was carried out by the men. The blinds were always t drawn and the door locked securely, so that no peeping Pandora could satisfy her curiosity. King Koroki will probably stay in Oeo until Monday or Tuesday. The king was easily recognisable in the midst of his party, because of the shy and retiring manner he has of bowing his head when in a crowd. He is quite a young man, only about 25 years of age, and has held his posiltion only since his father died about a year ago.