Celebration Of Anniversary Of Arrival Of Maoris

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 October 1950, Page 5

Celebration Of Anniversary Of Arrival Of Maoris

AUCKLAND, Last Night (PA).— One of the largest and most significant Maori gatherings in living memory, the celebrations at Tuoingawaqwae Pa, have attracted visitors from all" over the North Island. The event, which marks the anniversary of the coronation of King Kcroki, is also being held to celebrate the 600th. anniversary of the arrival of nine seagoing canoes which gave rise to the main Maori tribes. Descendants of the chiefs of each craft from widely scattered parts of the country have reforged tribal links by recalling in ancient songs and colourful stories the coming of their ancestors over miles of ocean. Stirring memories have been revived in dimlylit marquees and on the crowded marae where a constantly growing audience has ‘been watching events which belong to the dawn of history. Activity at the pa is mainly in preparation for a great day on Sunday when political and cultural leaders will be received by King Koroki, Princess Te Puea and the assembled tribes. The hospitality will be lavish and the entertainments will have a cultural value which has never been exceeded at a Maori gathering. Vast quantities of food accumulated during the last 12 months are being augmented with lorry loads of perishable produce from as tar as Auckland and Te Kuiti. Apart from donations in kind, the organising committed estimates that the gathering has cost about £3OOO. The money has been raised exclusively by the Maoris under the guidance of Princess Te Puea. Hundreds of banknotes have been deposited on the marae by visiting tribes, but the Waikato people will still bear the bulk of the cost of what is a national event. While business firms and organisations in the district have been generous with assistance, the organiser says no financial help has been received from the Government.