MAORI WEDDING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 43, 12 February 1946, Page 5

MAORI WEDDING

IMPORTANT TRIBAL UNION

RANG!—WAIKATO Some five hundred guests assembled at Tauarau Pa Ruatoki last 9 '9 Saturday, when the people of the Ngati-rongo sub-tribe of the Tuhoe federation acted as hosts to visitors wlio attended tile Avedding of May, eldest daughter of. Mrs and the late Mr W. Waikato of Te Tcko Avho was married to William Patara third son of Rev. and Mrs Wharetini Rangi *of (Ruatoki. The wedding was an important one from the tribal point of view,, and many prominent personages attended and took part in the complimentary speech-making which folloAved the ceremony. A large number of Pakeha friends of both parties were also present and Avere the guests of honour at a very memorable gathering.

The church Avliieh had been neatlydecorated for the eA'ent was croAvded and the actual service Avas conducted by four associated clergy including the bridegroom’s father. These were Rev. J. C. J. Wilson (Whakatane), Rev. R. Rangiaho (Ruatoki), Rev. W. Rangi (Ruatoki) and Rev. W. R. Fraser (Rotorua Presbyterian Maori Mission). Miss A. F. Arbon played the-wedding music. The bride who was given away by her Mr B. Watarawi of Poroporo, Avore a beautiful frock of Avliite ankleriength satin, Avith trained skirt and shirred bodice, offset Avitli beautifully embroidered pale blue llowers. Her embroidered veil of. silk net fell from a coronet of orange blossom to form a second train while her bouquet avus composed of Avhite carnations and chasta daisies. White crocheted gloves and kid shoes completed her toilet.

Jn attendance as bridesmaid Avas Miss Lux Jaram, of Whakatane, who Avore a liecoming frock of skyblue corded silk fashioned on flowing lines. Daintily olfset Avith pale pink accessories her frock Avas in strong contrast*to that of the brides. Her headress Avas composed of pink net and she carried a bouquet of pale pink carnations relieved Avith touches of blue. The duties of best man Avere ably carried out by 2nd Lieut. T. Waha-t pango an overseas friend of the. bridegroom.

Following the ceremony the large crowd, of guests assembled in the marae and were formally welcomed by Rev. Wharetini Rangi. Mr Carpenter responded on behalf of the Pakehas present and Mr E. Eruera on behalf of the Maoris. Gifts and expressions of goodwill were extended to the young couple by a large number of speakers including Messrs Takarua Tamerau, IW. Trainor Tui Taw era and. Rfev.. Fraser. Rev. Wilson expressed his pleasure at the invitation to be pre-i ‘sent and praised the Maori methods of conducting a marriage, ceremony. The breakfast was laid out in two large halls where the guests were treated to a sumptuous repast. All dishes were in plentiful supply and would have done credit to a festival an'ywhere. The bride’s mother, Mrs Waikato, was neatly dressed in a black silk suit with, shoes and hat to tone. A smart half-veil with coloured spots was also worn. The bridal group were seated: at the place of honour before a beauti-fully-made three tiered wedding cake. The task of catering for so laige a crowd was carried out with

.juickness and despatch which did great credit to the Maori waitresses and the large staff behind scenes. The toast list was as under : ‘The Bride and Bridegroom’ Rev. Fraser and the Bridegroom; ‘The Bridesmaid’ Rev. (Rangi and Lieut. Wahapango; ‘Absent Friends’ Mr Te Hau -2nd Capt. Santon. The newly-weds left later on their honeymoon. They will make their future home :<t Te Teko.