So pleasantly resonant, so courteous, so quiet was the voice from the loudspeakers, that it created at once an atmosphere of dignity. “Would people who have parked their cars opposite the entrance be good enough to ….” Listening to this voice was a pleasure in spite of the fact that it warned us of another hour's wait in the wet and the piercing cold. Gradually the rain eased off as the daylight grew less grey. At last an elderly Maori woman stepped from the porch and walking back and forth on the marae, called in a high wailing monotone, a message of welcome. In the silence an answering call came back from the direction of the great marquees where the Waikato elders had been waiting patiently for the summons. And soon they came in slow procession towards the marae. No precious Maori cloaks now, the rain would have spoiled them. But solemnly and reverently they came, following behind their leader Tumate Tonga Mahuta. cousin to King Koroki, chosen to lift the tapu, up the path towards the Meeting House, where on the edge of the porch and in the shadow of the watching Maui, Ihaia Puketapu awaited them. The ceremony was soon ended, the doors of the house were opened and the tapu was lifted. At last the sun shone. Now the official parties arrived: the Prime Minister, Mr Walter Nash, and his Minister of Forests, Sir Eruera Tirikatene, diplomats, mayors, councillors and all. A traditional challenge, admirably done; hakas and poi dances on the marae, and the distinguished visitors were conducted by Ihaia Puketapu's youngest daughter (deemed suitable for the honour of being the first woman to enter the meeting house) through the door. Now came the speeches from Maori and Pakeha leaders. The Prime Minister, the Bishop of Aotearoa, Sir Eruera Tirikatene and many others spoke. Ihaia Puketapu, the man whose vision and faith were today realised and justified, spoke to his people and to all those of both races who had helped to make it a reality. One visiting chief electrified the ten thousand strong audience when, brushing aside the microphone placed ready for him on the porch, he The marquees at Puketapu Grove. (John Ashton, Photo.)