WELCOME AT PUTIKI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 20, 24 January 1946, Page 4

WELCOME AT PUTIKI

WANGANUI AND TARANAKI MAORI SOLDIERS ALL-NIGHT BANQUET

Hundreds of Maoris from all parts of the Wanganui, Taranaki, South Taranaki, Wanganui River, Rangitikei and Main Trunk districts have assembled at Putiki Pa for the reception to returning members of the Maori Battalion which began early this morning, after the arrival of a special train from Wellington, and continued throughout the night. For some days the pa has been the scene of intense activity, which reached its climax late last night as the arrival time of the special train drew near. This train, running two hours late because of the delayed arrival at Wellington of the Dominion Monarch, reached the city station at 1.20 a.m.

Wanganui and Taranaki members of the Maori Battalion who returned to New Zealand by the Dominion Monarch were met at the Wanganui railway station by buses and conveyed to the pa, scene of many historic gatherings in the past, early this morning. They were given a traditional welcome to the marae by the elders of the Wanganui and Taranaki tribes. This was to be followed by a tangi for those warriors of the Maori Battalion who will never return to their native land.

It was expected that the banquet and reception proper to the returned men would begin early this morning. The gathering is essentially Maori in character and traditions, very few pakehas having been invited. These include members of the Wanganui City Council, as representatives of the civic authorities.

Maoris from Taranaki, the Wanganui River districts, Rangitikei and elsewhere have contributed gifts of food for the banquet, including sheep, pigs, geese and ducks. The food is being cooked in Maori style in a hangi—which is one of the largest prepared at Putiki for many years.

Catering arrangements are sufficient for 700 people, and it was expected that about 50 Wanganui and Taranaki members of lhe Maori Battalion would travel from Wellington by the special train. Some of the elders and many of the people journeyed to Wellington to meet them and take part in the reception arranged when the Dominion Monarch arrived. They travelled by special train which left Wanganui at 11.50 p.m. on Tuesday. The return train left Aotea Quay, shortly after 6 p.m. last evening. It consisted of 10 cars and a van, the number of Maoris on board being between 300 and 400.

During the past few days Maoris have been arriving at Putiki from a wide area. All had assembled at the pa last night, with the exception of those travelling from Wellington by the special train. As the night advanced they practised songs and hakas in preparation for the welcome.

The night was fine, but cloudy, with a fresh westerly wind after heavy rain yesterday morning. Temperatures were cooler, hut the weather did not lessen the enthusiasm which has been evident at Putiki for some days.