MAORI WEDDING BELLS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7404, 7 March 1903, Page 2

MAORI WEDDING BELLS.

(Prom Our Special Correspondent.) A wedding, which created a considerable amount of interest, both amongst the Natives of the East Coast and the European friends in the district, was celebrated, on Monday last, at the resilence of Mr Piripi Waaka, near tho nouth of the Kaiwhata River, on the Fast Coast. The bridegroom was Mr To Aotataurangi Mikaera, of Pahiatua, and the bride was Miss Hobora Paku, of tho Kaiwhata, a popular young Maori lady, who is well-known on the East Coast. The bride was charmingly attired in a pretty white muslin dress, trimmed with silk, white shoes and gloves, and wore the regulation veil and orange She had three bridesmaids, little girls; two wore simple white frocks, while tho third had on two or three beautiful Maori mats, which were greatly admired by the European guests. The bride also Criiried a lovely bouquet of flowers, the gift of Mrs Tatham, of Homewood. At two o'clock, the ringing of a bell announced to all the guests that the service was to begin. The bride's tent was about one hundred and fifty yards from the whare, and from there a grand procession was formed. First came the bride by the side of Mr Piripi, the best man, followed by the bridesmaids and groom, with other friends to bring up the rear. The picture presented at this point was a very pretty one. On the right ** was the Pacific Ocean, stretching away as far as the eye could see; On the left the tents of the visiting Maoris, with the hills as a back-ground, at the back the clergyman standing in his robes, and the Kaiwhata river flowing by, which near this point runs into the sea. In front the bridal procession, with over one hundred friends standing around, taking a very real interest in the proceedings.

The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. H. Sykes, of Te Nui. Both bride and bridegroom speak good and the answers were given in a clear voice. At the close of the service Mr and Mrs Mikaera received the hearty congratulations of their friends, and if good wishes go for anything, both ought to be intensely happy and prosperous. The wedding breakfast was served in a large marquee, and consisted of roast goose, plum pudding, apple pie and cakes of various kinds, sweets and fruit. There were two wedding cakes, one sent by the friends of the groom, and the other provided by the bride. After all had done full justice to this sumptuous repast, Mr Piripi Waaka made a speech in Maori, which was interpreted by Mr Rae, expressing the great pleasure it gave the Maoris to see so many of their white brothers and sisters present on such a happy occasion. He thought it was a very good thing that the Maoris and their white friends were able to live together on such pleasant terms and they wished their white friends good luck and much happiness. He also expressed the great pleasure it gave the Maoris to have two of their people married like Miss Tatham was married a few weeks ago. This speech was received with hearty applause by tho white friends. The Rev. J. H. Sykes then thanked the Maoris for the things they had said about them, also expressed the great pleasure it the white people to meet so many of their Maori brothers and sisters, especially on such a happy occasion. He also expressed the wish of the white people that good luck, and much blessing and happiness, would go with the newly married couple. This speech was also interpreted by Mr Rae and received much applause.

The wedding party together with'all the gue3ts was then photographed by one of the visitors. In the evening a grand ball was given in honour of the wedding, when it was very pleasant to see Maoris and whites dancing together. The day was beautifully fine, the sun shining brilliantly, and the event is one that will long be remembered by all who were privileged to be present.