WAAHI MAORI HUI

Taranaki Daily News, 6 October 1934, Page 5

WAAHI MAORI HUI

CORONATION CEREMONY ■ GREAT HUNTLY GATHERING. ” o ' OVER 2000 EXPECTED TO ATTEND. i • • — J" Waahi Pa, across the Waikato River from Huntly, is the scene -of extensive preparations for the great gathering'p£ natives which will assemble over the week-end to commemorate the first anniversary of the crowning of the 24-year* old Koroki te Wherowhero, fifth in the line of Maori “kings” since the election in 1858 of Potatau te Wherowhero to lead the natives in the vexed question of land acquisition. / Over 2000 natives are expected to be present at the gathering, which will be one of the largest Maori assemblies for some years. Those present will include representatives of all the tribes, among them the Ara was and the East Coast natives who stood aloof from the “king"movement. It is authoritatively stated that the forthcoming assembly will repre» sent a very distinct rapprochement Hom. tween sectional interests among thg Maoris. ■ ‘ It is considered, however, that among the subjects to be discussed at 'meeM ings to-day and to-morrow will be aev« eral matters on which there. has beesf for long a great difference of opinion* and it is hoped that the present oppose tunity will clear the way to • a definite* settlement of vexed questions. Among these will be the attitude to be taken up| on the subject of compensation- patf-i ments for lands seized during the ‘Maori Wars. RATANA TO BE PRESENT.. ’ In Taranaki, the natives have large sums from the Government, but a section of the Waikatos is averse'toward pressing for such payment?. The question will probably be discussed with representatives of other tribes, such as the Ureweras and those East Coast tribes that assisted the Waikatos during the wars. • ■•• • Great interest will also attach to the presence of Tahu Wiremu Ratana, the Wanganui “prophet,” who has announced his intention to attend with, a representation of his followers. The task of catering for such a large gathering calls, for . the co-operation., of all attending, and as at past assemblies/ supplies of shellfish, kumaras,. potatoes and other food will be brought by most, visitors. In addition, fishing ■ expeditions are being arranged by local natives and at Waiuku by Princess Te Puea Herangi, a close relative of Koroki. There are several large meeting houses at Waahi and temporary marquees are also, being erected to house the visitors., .Waahi is, in fact, well equipped for entertainment on a large scale. ..I.’, Many of the visitors will arrive today. Meetings and incidental entertainments of greeting l.ave been arranged foe to-day and to-morrow, but the chief functions will be on Monday, which is the exact anniversary of Koroki’s coronation. Haka and poi competitions and a formal ceremony will take place in the morning, and in the afternoon a senes of foot* hall matches, both Rugby and League* will be held between the Arawa, Waikato and Taranaki representatives. Tig gathering will disperse on Tuesday.