ARRIVAL OF TRIBES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 137, 18 March 1940, Page 5

ARRIVAL OF TRIBES

PROCESSION TO ROCK CEREMONIAL GREETING Those who were fortunate enough, to witness the Maori muster at the Domain on Saturday morning were priveleged to see .something they are not likely to sec again. The inland Matatua tribes, combining under the name Tuhoc. arrived at the outer gates at about 9.1;"3. I]nside. the show-ring served as a huge marae round which were grouped the children from the various Native schools. Commentaries upon, the procedure, for the benefit of the Pakeha onlookers, were very ably given by the Rev. Vviiaretini' Rangi. Slowly across the intervening grass, the visiting tribes,- numbering four or Jive hundred, advanced shouting cries of welcome, gesticulating and prancing. The hosts, on the other hand (Xgatiawa), .replied with cries of ; Haeremai,'' sending forward the challenger, who went through the traditional method of greeting and finally returned to the rallies of 11 is own people. Coming closer, Tuhoc broke into a combined song and haka, the chiefs taking a prominent part. To the left a graceful bevy of poi dancers advanced, their red bodices and pin-pius, lending a touch of colour and uniformity to the proceedings. The actual mingling of the two bodies finally took place with much hand-clasping and nose-rubbing, the visitors then adjourning to the Show shed for light refreshments. The mnrnc was then filled "with! native children, who provided a bright programme of dances, hakas, waiatas and pois'. The Mayor's Remarks. Warmly congratulating the Maoris upon their performance, the Mayor, Mr I>. S. Barry, said that the occasion warranted the fullest cooper;: lion between all tribes. He complimented the Maoris on turning out in such numbers and welcomed them to Whakatane, %Reminding them of the importance of the occasion, lie referred to the presence of ihe Maori volunteers, who were marching with the Pakehas in the fight against oppression. He wished them all successes on the day and thanked those who had been responsible for the arrangements. Colourful Precession. The morning's procession comprised all units of the Maori as-> sembly, the marshalling being a tribute to Messrs liauesler and Merritt, the officers" in charge. Headed by the Pipers the Maori volunteers were given pride' of place. Following them came a long line of school children, Maori tribal groups and entertainers. One of the brightest spots v.-as given by several groups of Victorian ladies, who. mounted on lorries and horsedrawn vehicles, were much admired in* -the crowds lining the route. A dozen school children, in a heavy d ray, were most popular, while a little demure lass sitting, side-saddle on a pony, also attracted much attention. The ladies taking part were warmly congratulated on their interest and enterprise. A.ioiig the length of Commerce Street, the band swinging to the brisk measure of 'Ccck o' the -North* Maori children singing the new marching song so popular witli the Maori troops, the procession proceeded, arriving at the Bock prompt ly at 10.15, the time scheduled.