MAORIS ASSEMBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1933, Page 8

MAORIS ASSEMBLE

KOROKI’S RL‘GN BEGINS

ORATORY AND ENTERTAINMENT

HUNTLY, November 25.

Several thousand Maoris from many North Island districts wer-e assembled at Waahi Pa to-day, when . representative speakers, with the oratory characteristic of their race, expressed their loyalty to the “king” system. The day ■chosen for the ceremony proper, of demonstrating the unity of the tribes was the anniversary date, of the coronation of the late “king,” Te Rata Jlahuta. Te R-ata’s son, “king” Iyoroki, passed among his people several times during the, day, but he wus appyt from the actual discussions on the marae, or’ open space, before the meeting house. A principal aspect of the proceedings wa,s that they served to mark the official conclusion of the regime of Te Ra.tn, although his death occurred Pst month and his ron was then crowned, "king,” and this event was responsible for attracting to Waahi ■ many more Maoris thin usually attend the annual conferences. The inter-tribal I discussions will take place next year on October 8, the date of the coronation of Koroki, whose regime proper has now commenced.

While visi inv natives were still arriving from distant parts and were rec"iving customary chants of welcome from- the Waahi 'Maori's, tribal elders were assembled in a special meeting w.har° to di«cv-ss policy matters affecting the “king” movement. After the conference the people assembled nu the marae and heard a crier read, the history of the movement. Many prominent leaders, - including .Mr Taite te Tomo, M.P.. for Western Maori. Ta l ”- pipi-pi, of Morrinsville. a descendant- of Wiremu Ta-nlihana, the “kingmaker,” ■Hone te Heu -Hen and Tu Tawhiao. of the Nga-ti-Tuwhai’etoa. Wi K.upe, of the Ng't’-Ruanui, and Rima Wakarua, of the Nga-ißauru. were present.

■ The scene on the mara-e during the afternoon, when spokesmen had the opportunity of giving speeches characterised by the variety, of gesticulation employed, wcis memorable. Mr Te Tonio wa,s a prominent figure in the front of the meeting house, where there W’S a group of elderly Maoris typifying the genuine ohl stock of, the race. Some of the old men and -women could recall earlier years when the “king” natives were hostile to European intrusion .in their .territory, -years contrasting with, the ,amity o-f the- present. ■ln. attire and demeanour they differed strikingly from the younger Maoris, who nevertheless showed due attention to the discussions in public. The speeches were wholly in Maori, and the orators, men of judgment and long experience, vied .with ..each other in impressing their view s on the assembly. It sometimes happened that an English word or phrase, for 1/he wmt of an appropriate expression in Maori, had to be employed. There was one instance when an elder who had (been delivering a long harangue in 'Maori on certain needs of the' people suddenly said, forcefully if somewhat incongruously, “W e ' want it in black and white.”

It was not all serioug business. To liven the proceedings, the Rev. W. -Pannpa at one stage announced that hakas and dances for the entertainment of the people could be given by these who wished. A haka team of youths soon appeared. There are vastly different purposes for hakes, and the frequent roars o.f laughter which greeted the words employed bv these particular youths showed that their chants had no solemnity.

■An announcement as popular ns that by Mr Pana pa was when Mr Te Tomo called the people to the-midday feast. With so many patrons, the dining hall was a busy place fo. some time. Enticing odours of eels, potatoes and all Planner of delicacies came from the open-air ovens a short distance away, where groups of men and women worked arduously for long hours in satisfying the culinary needs of the pa. More Maoris were arriving at Wa»hi this evening and the asesmbly will last several days.