MAORIS AND THE CENTENNIAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 95, 1 December 1939, Page 4

MAORIS AND THE CENTENNIAL

THE observation of the Dominion Centennial in which all towns, centres and districts throughout New Zealand are expected to take a real and live interest, has been in progress a full month. Unfortunately the shadow of war and the uncertainty of events in the immediate future have robbed it of much of its glamour and interest. Nevertheless the anniversary has its own compensations, and as a tonic to offset the nervous strain created by a strange and deadly conflict overseas, it is probably an asset beyond price But what of the celebrations, which were to take place up and down the country. The full programme of events was carefully compiled months before the anniversary, and the various days allocated in accprdance with the claims of the individual districts. Whakatane's date embraces a single day, three months hence, Wednesday, February 28th. On that occasion the whole of the local Centennial effort will be focussed and is largely centred on the official opening of the New Centennial Park at the Heads. Plans for a procession representative of town, and country interests are in train, while it is ajso intended to invite the Maoris to give a display, and to take a definite part. So much for the official programme, details of which have as yet to be defined. There is however a certain amount of query as to what part the local Maoris are expected or ha.ve been invited to take in the proceedings. Whakatane, the traditional landing place of the first migratory canoes from fabled Hawaiki, presents unique possibilities for Maori celebration a.nd festivity which should be recognised. We understand that certain members of the Maori community are keen and willing to stage an appropriate festival and are only awaiting a lead. In conversation with the Mayor, (Mr. B. S. Barry) and the secretary of the local Celebrations committee (Mr. D. V. Saunders) we are informed that the Maoris have been in no way overlooked, and that the importance of a suitable type of celebration would receive every encouragement and facility. The Borough authorities will offer the closest cooperation in any plan which may be under consideration, and in short the Pakeha community will look forward to a native demonstration which could be suitably applied to New Zealand's hundredth anniversary. From this it is urgently to be hoped that our Maori friends will now take the initiative and endeavour to stage something which will mark their identity as the original inhabitants of this land and illustrate their prowess in pride of race among the people of the Empire.