Symbolic Carvings

Te Ao Hou, October 1956, Page 24

Symbolic Carvings The conduct of this meeting left nothing to be desired, and the host tribe of Ngati Ranginui are deserving of the highest praise for the tremendous amount of work they carried out from the first to the last day of this memorable gathering, and for the never failing spirit of goodwill, the lavish hospitality and efficient organisation in all branches of the affairs of the marae. The marae workers; from the cooks, the waiters, the groundsmen, the wardens, the caretakers of the marquees and sleeping quarters, the pa traffic officers and the office staff all contributed in full measure to the great success of the meeting. The catering was of a high order and was most favourably commented on by the visitors, both pakeha and Maori. The women of the visiting tribes were loud in their praises for the high standard set by Ngati Ranginui in the quality of workmanship of the whariki (sleeping mats). The kiekie weaving in attractive traditional patterns of the whariki—not only in Tamatea-pokai-whenua but also in other sleeping quarters—was a point that was not lost on the hundreds of visitors and will constitute a challenge to many a marae throughout the land. Well done Ngati Ranginui! The challenge to prominent visitors at the opening ceremonies for the Judea meeting house was performed by Rev. Te Akonga Pihama, Methodist Minister, Raglan, who is an expert taiaha man. He frequently performs the wero to welcome distinguished guests at Turangawaewae, Ngaruawahia. (Rendell's Photos) The subject of intoxicating liquor and gambling was touched on by His Lordship Bishop Panapa in his sermon during the Sunday morning service. “These two things were brought to this country by the Pakeha”, His Lordship said, “and generally speaking the Pakeha knows how to deal with them. I take a broad view on these matters, and I say to you, ‘if you abstain or keep control at all times all is well. Never let them become your masters’.” A Judea memory which will be remembered was the misty rain which lasted on and off throughout the gathering. In a talk to European visitors on the Sunday afternoon, Dr Maharaia Winiata spoke somewhat humourously and said, “We Maoris believe that whenever big chiefs travel to strange places they bring rain with them; and to-day we have with us the very highest and most noble blood in the land.” This feature of the gathering was the subject of quite serious discussion by tribal elders. The weather element was linked with other occasions. There was the occasion when the Sim's Royal Commission opened its enquiries into the Confiscation of Maori tribal lands. Just as it was announced the Commission would commence its Waitara sitting a sudden sharp shower of rain came on. On the Waahi marae, when Tumate, son of King Mahuta, announced he was proceeding to Wellington to negotiate for a settlement of the Waikato-Maniapoto Confiscation, there was a similar shower of rain. On Judea Marae at 3 p.m. on Saturday, 5th May, 1956, just as the unanimous consent of the assembled tribes was given to the Ngati Ranginui Confiscation Resolution (Resolution No. 1 of the Runanganui Conference) there was a short sharp shower of warm rain. A voice spoke across the marae and said. “This rain is a good omen and it is welcome. The tears of the departed of Ngati Ranginui, who suffered so much, bless us for what we have this day resolved. Tribal leaders promised Ngati Ranginui every help possible in any approach they might make to the Government for some measure of redress in the matter of the Confiscation of their ancestral lands.