Full Three Days To Be Devoted To Celebrations

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 80, 9 August 1950, Page 5

Full Three Days To Be Devoted To Celebrations

The Matatua anniversary celebrations are to be held over three days at the Wairaka Pa, Whakatane, from September 22 to 24. The main programme has now been prepared by the organising committee and will cater for young and old of the Maori visitors.

On September 21, all district Bay of Plenty tribes are expected to gather and they will be welcomed during the day. In the evening a social and dance is to be held and this will feature Maori singing, dancing and action songs. The following day all outside tribes are expected, and will be welcomed. In the evening a further social and dance will be held for the younger people while the elders will meet in the main meeting house to discuss Maori history. Particular interest will be paid to the history of the Matatua canoe and the Ngatiawa people. Saturday, September 23, the main functions will be held. At 10.30 a.rn. the official party will arrive, including members of Parliament and Government officials. There will be a welcome ceremony in true Maori fashion. At 11.30 a.m. the memorial gates will be unveiled and dedicated. A huge feast will follow at noon.

Most of the afternoon will be devoted to sport. There will be hockey, basketball and Rugby fixtures between the Matatua and Horouta canoe representatives. In the evening there is to be a special anniversary ball, which will include the presentation of sporting trophies. The celebrations will conclude on the Sunday, Sept. 24, with a special thanksgiving service at the Pa.