FOUR THOUSAND MAORIS STARTING TO ARRIVE
Four thousand Maoris have begun to arrive in Whakatane for the Matatua Celebrations. The premises at Wairaka Pa are becoming a scene of great activity. All district Bay of Plenty tribes are expected to gather. Today all outside tribes are expected and will be welcomed. A further social and dance will be held for the younger people while the elders 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 the main function will ‘be held at 10.30 a.m. the official party will arrive, including members of Parliam'ent and Government officials. There will be a welcome ceremony in true Maori fashion. At 11.30 the memorial gates will be upveiled and dedicated. A huge feast will follow.
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 Sunday, September 24, with a special thanksgiving service at the Pa.
The highlights:— Saturday: 8.30 a.m. Assembly of tribes on Wairaka Marae. 9 a.m. Donations. 10 a.m. Arrival of local official party. 10.20 Arrival of Departmental Party. 10.30 Matatua arrives at waterfront (a) Ceremonial greetings of voyagers (b) Advance to centre of marae, (c) Ceremonial challenge and acceptance, (d) Haka of welcome, 10.45 Speeches of welcome by Maori and Pakeha representative officers Replies by Minister of Maori Affairs and Hon. P. Fraser. 11.30. Unveiling of Maori War Memorial by Hon. J. Corbett, Minister of Maori Affairs/ 12 noon. Co-memoration dinner in meeting house to official guests. Afternoon. Sports programme in Whakatane Domain.. 1 p.m. to 2.45 p.m. Basketball (ladies), Hockey (men and ladies). 3 p.m. Rugby football /Matatua v Horouta). Evening, 8 p.m. Sexcentenary ball, Winter Show Buildings. Sunday, 24. 11 a.m. Special Maori Thanksgiving Service on Wairaka Marae. All denominations.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19500922.2.15
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 99, 22 September 1950, Page 5
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338FOUR THOUSAND MAORIS STARTING TO ARRIVE Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 99, 22 September 1950, Page 5
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