A Maori Meeting

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 April 1911, Page 4

A Maori Meeting

BIG GATHERING AT RA-PAKI

During the past thre or four days (says the Christehurch Star) large numbers of Maoris and their families have been gathering at Rapaki, the native village between Lyttelton and Governor's Bay. The little settlement presents a scene of unwonted bustle and activity, -and a number of marques and tents have been erected to accommodate the great crowd of visitors. Those in charge of the commissariat are kept busy in providing for the material wants of tho 400 people now in the village. The gathering is the annual meeting of the Ngaitahn and Ngaiimanioc to'discuss their claim against tho New Zealand Government in respect to the South Island land. Representatives are present from Kaiapoi, Taumutu, Little River, Port Levy, Temuka, Waitaki, Moeraki, Puketaraki, Otakou and Taieri, and there are also a nmn'ber of visitors from Wellington, Levin, Otaki, _ Master- , ton, Wairarapa, Wanganui, Waitotara and Hawke's Bay. Proceedings opened on Tuesday afternoon the meeting being held in the open-air. Mr Tiemi Hepi (Pukotaraki) presided, and Mr T. M. Ellison wa.s .secretary. Mr T. Parata, M.P.. was present at the gathering. After tho visitors had been formally welcomed, the meeting adjourned! for an h,onr,,ns a mark of respect for the late Hone Maka. of Tuahiwi. On resuming the election of now officers and the discussion of general business was proceeded with.