KIHIKIHI.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 20, 23 June 1911, Page 2

KIHIKIHI.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

Realisation often falls short of anticipation, but this was not the case with the Coronation celebrations in Kihikihi. A stranger passing through the township the preceding clay wpuicl have been amazed to see theV' crowds of Maoris flocking inVdespite the' torrential rain. But the spirit of loyalty to his King, not to say love of a holiday, is too strongly developed in the Maori to let such a thing as rain lesson the As if to recompense them for* v

their loyalty, the sun smiled out for the Maori and -JPakeha alike and everything went with the desired swing. The clay's programme was a lengthy one and necessitated an early start. Accordingly the school children assembled at the school at 9 o'clock (under the direct ion of Mr A. M. Peiry, head-

master) to salute the flag and receive their Coronation medals. This over they marched up to the Town Hall to participate in the United Church Service. A large crowd availed themselves of this opportunity of uniting in the impressive religious exercises by vhich the day's programme initiated. Mr O. Price Owen (the officiating Minister), in a powerfiu" address exhorted his hearers to adhere to the principles of good citizenship and loyalty to the throne. Sa : tab?e hymns were sung by the congregation, led by represer Native choir, while Mr P. Wurr presided at the organ. The religious service was succeeded by a gathering in the Open air outside the Town Hall. The Proclamation of the Coronation of Kirn? George V. was made and the day's festivites declared open by Mr J. G. Elmsly (Chairman of the Town Board). Mr W. Hume-Jones, in an interesting address, spoke of the importance of this Coronation to the Empire and to the whole world. The flag was saluted by the assembled citizens and the Bedford family orchestra led the National anthem, which concluded the open-air ceremony. An adjournment was then made to the Hall, where lunch was served. About one o'clock several hundreds of people lined the streets in the vicinity of the Town Hall to witness the Maori celebrations. Headed by wahines in native costume and carrying small fiat baskets of potatoes, chanting appropriate tunes and performing native dances. A number of braves marched up the street carrying large quantities of roast pork, pigeons, cans of tea, and loaves of bread. A halt was made opposite the hall where a most stirring dance was performed by the assembled natives symbolic of an invitation to the

pakeha to partake of their offering. The food was then placed on boards (previously laid on the footpath), ready for the acceptance of the whites. All this time different parties of natives were dancing and singing, quite a barbaric touch / being lent to the ceremony by their impromptu performances. Appreciation of the gift was widespread and cordial, and in a short time dozens were sampling, and apparently enjoying the provisions of Maori hospitality. Shortly after this repast the rain, which for some time had been threatening, came down heavily and put a stop to the native performances. The pakeha next became the

entertaining element, a fancy dress football carnival providing the diversion. Most of the costumes were decidedly complimentary to the ladies, players showing a pronounced preference for female attire. Before the game had advanced far most of the skirts were dispensed with. The result of the contest, (married versus single) ended in a win for the bachelors by five points to three. In the late afternoon, tea was served at the hall to a crowd large enough to tax to the utmost the energy and organisation of the workers. A crowded house greeted the orchestra when the curtain was drawn up for the evening's concert.

An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental items was rendered to an appreciative audience, encores being frequentlydemanded. Contributors to the entertainment were : Mrs Baker, Mrs Fraser Smith, Miss Nina Ashby, Mr Owen, Mr B. Bennett, Mr Hume-Jones, Mr Fraser Smith, the Bedford family, and a group of Parawera school boys, whose skill received substantial recognition and appreciation. A supper, followed by a dance, concluded the clay's celebrations. Many visitors from the surrounding districts were entertained throughout the day. The arrangements for all the events reflected great credit upon the responsible officials.