WARM ENTHUSIASM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 126, 21 February 1940, Page 5

WARM ENTHUSIASM

FORTHCOMING CENTENNIAL DAY WHAKATAJSTE'S PROCEEDINGS MAORI COMMITTEE'S ARRANGEMENTS Delegates from Ruatoki and all the surrounding Maori settlements attended the meeting of the Maori Sub-committee for the Centennial Celebrations last Monday evening. There was a definite note of enthusiasm and all details in connection with the spectacular pageant to be held on March 16th were carefully considered and where possible finalised. Mr W. Clark (Paroa) the chairman emphasised the necessity for all sections pulling together in order that the Maori section of the programme should be one of the finest native gatherings to be held during the Centennial year.

Mr A. O. Stewart reported on various Maori meetings which had taken place and at which full arrangements had been made for hakas, poi dances, and special songs. The whole tribe had been split into two sections, the inland people going under the name "Tulioc" and these on the coast "Ngatiawas." This was for the purpose of enabling the parties to enact the customary greet ing and traditional procedude upon their arrival. The Rev* Wharctini Rangi stated that the Ruatoki meeting had all been of an enthusiastic nature and that Mr Tui Tawera had all arrangements for the entertainment well in hand. The following sub-committees were appointed:— Transport: Messrs G. Brabant, A. O. Stewart, J. Riini, T. Tawera, Taute Erueti, T. Pouhare and the secretary. Mustering: Rev Wharetini Rangi, J. Merritt, T. Horepapara and A. O. Stewart Ladies' Committee: Mr Luke Rangi (convener). Children's Entertainment: Messrs Southey, Boswell and Mrs Clark. Procession Marshall: Mr Hausler. Historic; Messrs Southey, Clark and A. O. SteAvart. Maori Historic: Messrs A. O. Stewart, T. Koupai and L. Rangi. Kumara Planting: Mr A. O. Stewart to appoint own sub-committee. Luncheon and Hui: Mr Te Keepa to appoint own committee. Dance Committee: Left to the secretary. Publicity Officer: Mr C. KingsleySmitli. Haka and Poi Dancers: Mr Ttii Tawera. Maori Arms and Impliments Officer: Mr A. O. Stewart. Broadcasting Officer: Rev Wharetini Rangi. Borough Representative: Mr D. V. Saunders. Native Department Representative: Mr J. Merritt.