FEEDING 3,000

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 138, 20 March 1940, Page 5

FEEDING 3,000

GREAT MAORI HUI GATHERING AT MEETINGHOUSE Food in abundance, continuous entertainment and a general air of business-like application, these weie the keynotes of the Maori hui, or complimentary dinner to allcomers at the Wairaka meeting-house at noon on Saturday. Apart from invited guests it is estimated with school children, Maori visitors and Pakehas, that no less than three thousand persons were the guests of the local Maoris, In spite of the responsibility of this huge undertaking, all who were present had nothing but the warmest praise for the courtesy, care and despatch. The two main buildings were reserved for Pakehas and invited j guests, while down the centre of the marae* six long lines of newsprint were spread and well stocked with food of every description. These were for the Maoris themselves. The menu consisted of pork* cooked in Maori fashion in the hangis, potatoes, kumara, cockels and a dozen other dainties dear to the Maori heart. The service in all departments was par excellence and everyone fully appreciated the fare. The Pipe Band provided a bright selection of music, while at intervals troupes from the Paroa, Poroporo.. and Ruatoki schools entertained the diners with typical Maori items. When it is considered that no less than sixteen bags of potatoes had to be prepared, six pigs cleaned and dressed and Che hangi fires kept burning continuously from 3 a.m.. in order to ensure that such a number could be catered for, it will be appreciated by Pakehas the immense amount of time and trouble taken by the Maori hosts in the interests of hospitality.