THREE GENERATIONS OF HIRAS by Melvin Taylor Tiaki Hira at Turangawaewae Pa, Ngaruawahia, 1952. This photograph was taken at the opening of the Pare Hauraki sleeping house, a few days before Princess Te Puea's death. The three generations of the well-known Hira family of Tuakau, grandfather, son and grand-daughter, show just how well Maori people can adapt themselves to changing times and circumstances. The grandfather, Hone Hira—eminent Maori orator and authority on Maori lore; the son, Johnny Hira—successful farmer,—and the grand-daughter, Sophie—prominent sportswoman, outstanding in competition with both Maoris and pakehas. Hone Hira is a rangatira of the old school. Born at Te Kohanga, near the Waikato river on September 26, 1877, he is a chief of Ngati Tipaa and is related to the Waikato Maori royal family. Though he went to St. Stephen's College he did not pursue his pakeha education to any length. Leaving St. Stephen's he went back to Te Kohanga and took up bushwhacking. But it is for his association with the Maori king movement that Hone Hira is best known. When Mahuta was king, Hone Hira was captain of one of the king's bands, Te Tautoka. He was also solo cornetist. For a period he carried on in these posts under King Te Rata but it was during Te Rata's reign that he changed his role. He gave up the band commissions and became the official orator at king movement functions. In this capacity he carried on for King Koroki and Princess Te Puea. Hone Hira became very interested in the lore and customs of his people as a youth. He wanted to learn the Maori ways. He went to the old people and imbibed their knowledge—the knowledge that has stood him in good stead on maraes all over the country. In particular he has specialised in and mastered the intricate whai korero forms for the opening of new buildings. ‘Wherever Koroki opens a meeting house I do the speaking,’ says the old man. ‘Because I know the right way.’ When the writer of this article once asked, at the opening of a new meeting house in the Waikato, who would perform the ancient speech-making rites demanded by custom the answer was unanimous. ‘There is only one amongst us who can do it,’ they said. ‘Hira.’ The old man has taken part in the openings of meeting houses in the East Coast, Rotorua, Taranaki and North Auckland areas as well as in his own beloved Waikato. He was the orator at the opening of both Mahinarangi and Turongo, at Ngaruawahia. Also he was the speaker at the opening of Ngati Raukawa at Otaki. He took a stand there in advising King Koroki of the correct thing to do when a dispute—which became famous throughout Maoridom—arose as to whether part of the planned ceremony was in accord with Waikato custom. Just a few days before Princess Te Puea's death last year Hone Hira spoke at the opening of Pare Hauraki meeting house at Ngaruawahia. King Koroki opened the house. The erection of this house was one of Te Puea's last works.