NATIVE GATHERING.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 371, 21 March 1902, Page 3

NATIVE GATHERING.

GOTO WEATHER, LARGE CROWDS, AND MUCH ENTHUSIASM. The Times’ representative at Waiotnatatini reports by telephone that the grout nativo gathering there is a splendid success. There are about 1200 natives present; the weather has boen splendid, and intense enthusiasm ha 3 boon infused into all the proceedings. The Hon. J. Carroll and party, including Wi Pere, M.H.R., and Dr. Pom are arrived from Gisborne at 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The proceedings were most impressive. A series of grand welcome hakas were danced. Tho hakas were pronounced superior to thoso which were performed before the Prince and Princess of Wales at Rotorua. On the arrival of the Omapere that vessel fired two guns, which greatly pleased the Natives. Tho steamer was gay with bunting, as was also the schooner Aotea in port there. A pathetic feature of the gathering is the carrying out of the usual custom of wailing, the dirges being given with much solemnity and depth of feeling. In front of the late Major Ropata’s house there is a large oil painting of the grand old man of Maoridom. The entertaining was of the best, the best of provision being made in the commissariat department, a bevy of Maori maidens diligently attending -to tho wants of the guests. The meeting is to be continued until Weduesday next, prior to which it is expected there will be a visit from the Premier. During tho gathering there will be a session of the Maori Parliament, and nativo land matters will,' among other things, bo freely discussed. The excellent arrangements for tho gathering reflect great credit on Mr Ngata.