TE KUITI HALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 98, 11 September 1908, Page 2

TE KUITI HALL.

Opening Ceremony.

The new hall, which has been built for Messrs John Hetet and Pepene Eketone, at Te Kuiti, was opened on Thursday, September 10th, in the presence ofa very large gathering of both Europeans and Maoris. Elaborate preparations had been made to celebrate the opening in a manner befitting the occasion, and visitors from far and near were present.

Shortly before noon the Hangatiki Maori Band paraded down Taupiri street and were received with hakas at the Hall entrance. Doors were then thrown open and the crowd proceeded indoors. Short speeches of welcome were made by Messrs Hetet and Eketone and a brief service was conducted by Maori Clergymen, among whom were the Revs. Hone Harris and Tatmona Hapimana. The stage of the building was occupied by a number of visitors, prominent among whom Were Tupu Taingakawa, the well known Waikato chief, and his wife, together with Messrs John Ormsby, H. Hetet and others. After the service was concluded the company was invited to luncheon in Hall, one table being set apart for the European visitors. Prior to commencing the repast the viands were conveyed to the Hall by the Maori housewives, among whom were Mrs Hetet, and Mrs Eketone. The ceremony was carried out in true Maori style to the accompaniment of suitable hakas, and chants. By one o'clock all was in readiness and the visitors filed into the building. Notwithstanding the size of the Hall, which is 130 feef by. 80 feet, it wag found the accommodation was tco small for the large number present, and the repast was partaken ; of in relays. A Bmall army of Native waiters attended to the wants of the visitors, and the luncheon was highly appreciated. The Hall was beautifully decorated with bunting, some of the flags being of special historic interest. Altogether the artistic finish and appearance of the Hall, combined with hanging flags and Chinese lanterns, created an effect rarely obtained, and the scheme of decorations reflects great credit -upon ! those responsible.

Some idea of the interest taken in the. function may be obtained from the fact that v thc attendance at the ceremony is estimated to have been from 3ix to seven hundred.