Ohinemuri.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2064, 16 August 1875, Page 2

Ohinemuri.

(FBOM A COEEESPONDENT.)

WHAKAHAIBI,

August.l3,lß7s.

The Maori meeting and feast so far are but a feeble attempt at the correct thing. Hunting cattle and pigs over the hills, and occasional sports on the ground where the tents are pitched seem to be the only sources of amusement the Natndls have to keep them from wearying. Somebody has introduced a set of quoits, at which the Maories are " dabs;" and it is said they are keeping themselves thereby in training for the great war dance which is to come off. A subscription has been opened for a foot race, and from the amount got up to the present the prize should be worth having. Preparations are making for the grand feast day. The Paeroa butcher has been engaged to slaughter the bullocks for the occasion, of which there are three with their jackets off already. To-morrow is to be a great day if the weather should be fine, but the wet "has put a damper on the proceedings up to the present. There are a great many Maories about, with a great many new shawls on their backs, which looks as if some of the shopkeepers had been doing a stroke. While tho Natives are here, the goats of the pakehas are getting into their cultivations. It is no doubt a great shame, as the wheat is just coming up. The Maories threaten to put them in the pound.