CENTENNIAL GIFT

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21035, 10 February 1940, Page 8

CENTENNIAL GIFT

IN NATION’S KEEPING GIANT MAORI WAR CANOE PRESERVATION AT WAITANGI (By Telegraph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Saturday. The giant war canoe, “Nga-Toki-Matawhaorua,” which has presented a magnificent spectacle at the Centennial celebrations at the Bay of Islands, is to remain at Waitangi and be a companion to the WhareRunanga, or carved council house, erected by the Maori people to commemorate the generous gift of the Waitangi Estate to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe. This was the unanimous decision of the northern tribes assembled in conference at Waitangi, and was in the nature of a gesture of loyalty to the British Crown and the Empire. with continued gratitude for Lord and Lady Bledisloe’s gift and appreciation of the interest shown in the Maori people by Lord and Lady Galway. The tribes decided that the canoe and paddles and the costumes for the crew should be handed over for safe custody to the Waitangi National Trust Board to hold in perpetuity. subject only to the title or ownership remaining in the northern tribes. The canoe, however, is to be available for the use of tribes on important ceremonial occasions. When not in use it will be stored in a special building of Maori design to be erected close to the Whare-Runanga. Carefully preserved, it should remain there hundreds of years, as a perfect example of Polynesian culture and Maori naval art. The canoe was built by the northern tribes from the northern forests and wholly with northern money.