AMUSING SIDELIGHTS

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19458, 24 December 1934, Page 8

AMUSING SIDELIGHTS

DUKE’S MAORI PHRASE. LIGHTER SIDE OF CEREMONY. ANNOUNCER’S AMUSING COMMENT. (By Telegraph.—Special Reporter.) ROTORUA, Saturday. There was at least one Maori word which the Duke of Gloucester learned while witnessing the great Maori welcome extended to him at Arawa Park. It was " kapai,” and when the picturesque ceremonial of hakas and poi dances was over, the Prince remarked to one of the paramount chiefs standing nearby, that in his opinion the welcome was indeed -“ kapai.” Perfect weather favoured the big demonstration, at which every tribe in New Zealand was represented. An abundance of clouds tempered the heat of the sun, and while the spectacle was less elaborate and comprehensive than that staged for previous Royal visitors, it lost nothing in sincerity and enthusiasm. The posturing and grimacing of the Maori braves, the attractive wahines swaying rhythmically to the tuneful native melodies, all clad in traditional native costume, and half-naked youths waving spears, all made an unforgettable scene. Comments In English. Soon after the Duke’s arrival, a wild haunting wail rose and fell in the distance chanting an invitation to the tribes. Then 400 voices rent the air with fierce shouts, the leaders gesticulating weirdly and bidding the Duke take his seat among the highest chiefs on the marae.

The instructions and prompting were given to the entertaining natives through a loudspeaker by Sir Apirana Ngata,’ a system which proved most effective in avoiding any hitches. Sir Apirana’s amusing asides in English, caused frequent smiles from the official party. “ These are the last savages in New Zealand. They have been tame since 1900,” commented the announcer when several ranks of fearsome warriors advanced before the. Royal stand. “ The gentleman leading is a" Lincoln College boy with a diploma. He is well civilised,” he added.

Terrifying War Dance.

Pride of places in the dances and hakas was taken by the Arawa- tribe, on whose behalf, Chief Mita Taupopoki presented a greenstone adze to the Duke. Old Maoris present were overjoyed with the. exhibition •of the liaka and dance teams, , who were really acting as spokesmen for the crowd of natives present. All the hakas were specially adapted to honour the Duke. It is unlikely that the Royal visitor will easily forget the witching beauty of the chant specially composed -for the occasion. Most of the visiting tribes presented a quaint picture in semi-European dress, the women arrayed in flamboyant colours. Another impressive item was the terrifying Peruperu, or war dance. After the farewell had been sung the Duke descended from the grandstand -• -'-.id met many of the leading chiefs, native returned soldiers, and guides. The crowds then broke through the fences and surrounded - the natives who abandoned all their previous reserve and indulged in emotional outbursts signifying their delight and enthusiasm at the honour accorded them.

t THROUGH GEYSER VALLEY. TAKES MOVING PICTURE. IMPRESSED BY WAIRAKEI. ROTORUA, Sunday. The Duke of Gloucester visited Walrakei this afternoon. After lunch at the hotel, where the guests assembled to give him a hearty welcome, he went through Geyser Valley, accompanied by Guide Martha. ” The valley of eternal torment, as one of the visitors described it, was oppressively hot under a lowering sky, these weather conditions making its thermal fury more awe-inspiring than usual.

The Duke lingered at every place of special interest. He listened Intently to what the guide had to say and asked many questions. The boiling cauldrons, the mud pools, the steaming vents and the hissing jets captured his attention, but it was at the pool of the dancing stone and the pink terrace that he stayed longest. At the pink terrace, which is in process of formation, the Duke stayed until the vent above discharged its foaming not water down the hank. It was a beautiful sight. When His Royal Highness departed from the valley lie was at the wheel of his car, which he drove to the blowhole. Here the intensity of the discharging forqe gripped the imagination of ■ everyone. The guide threw bezine tins into the jet and many of them were hurled high into the air, the Duke taking a moving picture of this strange sight.

ATTENDS CHURCH. SERVICE IN MAORI. FIRST THINGS PUT FIRST. ROTORUA, Sunday. There was an historical Maori background to the divine service attended by the Duke of Gloucester at Ohinemutu to-day. The service, conducted by the Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt. Rev. J. A. Bennett, was in Maori, although a number of Europeans was present. The installation of loud-speakers enabled 300 people outside the church lo lienf every word of the service clearly. 'l’lie singing of carols and anthems ami flic harmony of Maori music was heard.

Drooping above the pulpit was a Union Mack, battered and torn, but, as the bishop said, its colours si ill flew over the seven seas of tlie world. Applying lo Hic Duke's presence in the church lhe Maori proverb, “ Let the emblem of divinity lead and Hie hearers of food come in Hie rear,” (lie bishop and the unlives appreciated Ilia 1 His Highness was truly pulling first tilings first. ARRIVAL at frankton. INTEREST IN ROYAL TRAIN. After a week-end spent in Rotorua lhe Duke of (lloucesler and his parly passed through Hamilton in the Royal train this morning en route lo AuektContinued la next ooiuma.j.

land. Forewarned of the projected arrival of the train to-day, many residents of the town and suburbs arose early, and made for the Hamilton and Frankton stations, and various vantage points along the line between the stations, and Hie train, was greeted by an aggregate of several hundreds. At Frankton, where the train arrived shortly before 7 o’clock, porters were stationed at all the entrances, and only passengers for the Limited and other trains •scheduled to depart about that time were allowed on tire platforms. The Royal train pulled in on Hie western side of. the station, and remained for about a quarter of an hour while the engine took in water. In the meantime the Limited express from Wellington was held up at the southern end of the station, near the locomotive depot. Had the public been allowed on the platform there would have been a large crowd to welcome Hie train, but as it was there was only a comparatively small number about when lltc train arrived. The curtains in most of Hie carriages were drawn, ami none of Hie Royal parly was seen, Hie spectators conlenling themselves with an inspection of Hie dining car. Shortly after lhe Royal (rain left for Auckland the Limited pulled in. Normally scheduled lo leave for Auckland at 7.10 a.m. Hie express was delayed until 7.r>6 a.m.