ROTORUA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11, 17 March 1906, Page 44

ROTORUA.

Dear Bee, Alarcli 12. I had hoped to lie able to give you a brilliant account of the Rotorua Yacht Club’s annual regatta this week, but, alas! the fates were unkind, and we had a dreadful day. bitterly cold and pouring with rain, for our aquatic carnival. With a view to retrieving their fortunes somewhat, the R.Y.C. hurriedly arranged a social for Thursday evening in the Assembly Hall. but. probably owing to insufficient advertising and other attractions, the affair was not very well attended, though it turned out quite a success. Splendid dance music was supplied by Messrs. Holey, Stewart, and Parkin. Airs, Broomhall (who was gowned in soft white silk) sang in her usual artistic style, “A Vision,” for which she was emphatically encored. Aliss Alalfroy (who wore a black silk evening gown) expressively rendered “By the Fountain.” Mr. Elliston’s pleasing voice was heard to advantage in “The Yeoman’s Wedding.” and lie had to respond to an encore. An interesting feature of the evening’s entertainment,

and one that occupied a good deal of time, was the presentation of the regatta prizes by Mr. Bailey, of Auckland. The native population of Rotorua. has been in a quiver of expectation during the week in view of the visit of the Premier, and the subsequent unveiling of the memorials to their highly esteemed chiefs Keepa te 1 tangipnawlie and Petera. Under the able supervision of Captain G. .Mair, the natives made immense and very complete preparations for the reception and entertainment of visitors, both pakeha and Maori. A huge dining-room was erected at Whakarewarewa, and with their usual liberality the natives from far and near showered provisions of all descriptions (chiefly preserved pigeons, dried fish, tons of potatoes, pigs, etc.) upon the Rotorua tribes, who were to do the entertaining. Captain Mair ami Mr. C. E. Nelson also gave valuable presents to the natives in the shape of pigs, casks of mutton birds, a ton of potatoes, cases of toiler o, and lewt of taro. The Premier, Mrs. Seddon. Miss Ruby Seddon, and the Hon. J. Carroll arrived by the express on Friday. In the evening the Premier was entertained at a sumptuous banquet by his friends amj, the Liberals of this town. The following day was simply perfect, and at ten o’clock about 2000 people had assembled at Whakarewarewa. Ipon their arrival the Premier and party were met and welcomed in true native fashion by the Whakarewarewa poi dancers, who looked exceedingly picturesque and uniform in their black skirts and piupius, and dark red blouses. A prayer in Maori was offered up by the Rev. F. Bennett, native minister, then an address from the natives to the Premier was read by Captain Mair. Mr. Seddon’s speech in reply was translated into Maori for the benefit of the natives by Captain Mair. At the conclusion of his speech, the Premier reverently unveiled the granite memorial to the late chief Keepa te Rangipuawhe. The Hon. J. Carroll briefly addressed the natives, then X move was made towards the flat. Here the poi dancers were again to the fore, and their graceful movements were greatly admired, especially by visitors from other lands, to whom poi dancing is a novelty. An immense crowd of people were in waiting to see the M airua Geyser soaped, and when the soap had been duly put in by Miss Ruby Seddon, the geyser bravely responded witTi a magnificent shot. At the conclusion of these interesting ceremonies the natives hospitably entertained the visitors at a sumptuous feast. In the afternoon the Premier unveiled the memorial of the late chief Petera, at Ohiigunutu. The Rotorua Choral Society, after a rest of three months during “the season,” held a meeting last week. and. decided to commence practice again oit Monday nights. Mr. Pawson was reelected conductor, and Miss Empson pianiste. I am glad to say our able secretary, Mr. Hammond, also consented

to be re-elected.

HINEMOA.