NATIVE WEDDING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4945, 1 March 1926, Page 1

NATIVE WEDDING.

CEREMONY AT KATIKATL COW BELL HERALDS PARTY. A notice' appeared on a blackboard inviting the public at Katikafi to the Maori pa to witness and celebrate the, wedding of Annie Whareka,wa to Jack Sydney Morehu, of Bowentown. The wedding was to take place at 11 a.m., and shortly after 9 o’clock t,he public began to make their appearance, and as they came in they wene all welcomed to the pa by ,the Master of Ceremonies, Paul, Pa i rra, who, by his funny actions and sayings, kept the visitors amused. Between, the .speeches (Maori) and the native dances, music was supplied by three natives from Rotorua who played two , guitars and a violin. This was simply beautiful, and wa«s much enjoyed by the visitors.

At 11.30 a.m. the ringing of a cowbell announced the coming of the bridal party, which caused! much excitement ; in fact, the crowd had. to be beaten back to make way in front of the meeting house for the party, who ,topk their pl'ace, which had been prepared for them by the liiying down of native mats, with a, small decorated table to serve as an altar. The party consisted., of the 'bride and bridegroom, a:pd the Rew. Father Holierhock, of Te Puna officiated. After the ceremony the party marched to the tent used lor church services and sat down on iiiats while the wedding presents were being received.

A.t bne o’clock dinner was I’e'a.dy, long rows of table demask being spread on the grass,, and everything that is good M eat| was found on th© cloths.—Wafhi Telegraph.