THE CENTENNIAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 108, 10 January 1940, Page 5

THE CENTENNIAL

GREAT MAORI DEMONSTRATION

HISTORICAL EVENTS REENACTED MEMORABLE ~ DAY PLANNED

Complete arrangements are now in train for what, promises to be the finest Maori gathering ever to be staged in Whalcatane. This important event will take place in connection with the forthcoming Centennial celebrations to be held on Saturday, March 16th (date to be confirmed) when Maoris and Pakehas will combine in putting on a pageant and demonstration calculated to bring thousands of visitors to Whakatane.

A representative meeting ol'Maoris from the Tc Teko, Waimana, Waiohou, Paroa, Poroporo and Iluatoki districts took place in collaboration with the Whakatane Centennial Com mittee last week-vnd when all natives in the Matatua district clecided to combine in making the event the finest of its kind to be staged in these parts. A Full Programme. The programme submitted, and unanimously adopted was as under. - 9 a.m. Mlister of tribes at Whakatane Sports Domain where light refreshments will be hntertainment by Pakcha children and welcome to each district group by local Maoris in traditional fashion. Short addresses by two . selected chiefs. 10.ir>. Procession moves off in order of various tribal sections headed bv local chiefs. As many mats and ornaments to be worn as possible. 10.4.1. Arrival at Pohaturoa Rock where re-enactment of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi will take place by the descendants of the actual signatories in 1840. The principals in this ceremony wilL wear strictly the old-time Maori costume. Addresses will be given by ' two chiefs followed by a special haka and Centennial song. 11.30. Procession moves off again to Pa where will be re-enacted the planting of the first kumara from the Matatua canoe on the exact spot. A demonstration of ceremonial planting will also be given by a special party, in addition to songs and poi dances. 12 (noon). A one and a half hours break for luncheon, in which the local Maoris will be guests at the Wairaka meetinghouse. Afternoon's Proceedings. I.M p.m. The combined procession including school children, Boy Scouts, bands, local organisations, Maoris and district groups will move off to the Heads where the official opening "will take place.

2 p.m. Speakers at the park will include Government representatives local body and Maori delegates, after which the park will be declared open. Public will be invited to enter park. p.m. Special feature, the re-en-actment of the historic landing of the Matatua canoe, and the traditional naming of tlie settlement ol Whakatane. Combined, demonstration by Maoris. 3.30. Grand llui and demonstration of cooking by selected groups of Maoris. All food will be cooked in proper hangis and served with ceremony and chant. Maori entertainment items will coincide with the feasting. f> p.m. Farewell songs and final address by chiefs. Closing of Shops Suggested. | Discussing the proceedings, the Ruatoki meeting suggested that the town should observe a full holiday lo mark the Centennial, and allow all citizens lo be free to take part. In response lo this the. Mayor ol WhaUatane, Mr 15. S. Harry, who was present, by invitation, said he could scarcely promise I hat but the businessmen could be. invited to close lo assist in the celebrations. The control of the young Maoris in the. hotels was afcso discussed and it was even suggested that as an additional safeguard. the hotels should be asked to close lor a short period. However it was suggested later that authority be sought to police the hotels with Maori olluials Hakas and Dances. Several speakers pointed out the difficulty in securing parties ol young men for hakas, owing to the large number who had enlisted for service. It was agreed therefore to take steps to train up parties of the I (Continued at foot of next coluixii:.)

older Maoris who would commence rehearsing special numbers at once. A special Centennial Maori song was sung by one speaker who had composed it himself, and which will probably lie incorporated in the official programme. A General Register. A suggestion for which Mr Barry expressed the warmest thanks was that a register be supplied for the occasion, which would lie open for all to sign as a permanent record of Whakatane's celebration. This will form a valuable record in years to come and will in all probability form a basis of reference for future historic gatherings. The Maoris on their own .initiative have undertaken to provide a scroll or record of all the iirineipal persons, taking part in the resigning of the Waita.ngi Treaty, and in other important events of the day. Question of Transport. Tt will be the responsibility of the Maori sub-committee to find the transport on the day for the Maori performers, while it is possible that some assistance will also be given to .those living at a distance as it is the aim of the comittee to bring as many Maoris to the town as possible in order that citizens and visitors may be treated to something spectacular and distinctly out of the ordinary. In all details in connection with the above the committee is hard al work and is keenly following up the possibilities. Whakatane citizens: can therefore rest assured that on the date of the local Centennial cele brations they will have every reason to turn out in full force.