MAORI CELEBRATIONS AT KAKANUI.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 10 April 1912, Page 3

MAORI CELEBRATIONS AT KAKANUI.

GRAVE AND GAY.

(Makarau Correspondent.)

Who shall say that the Maoris are not a practical, time-saving race ? They have just concluded a week's festival at Kakanui, where over a hundred natives were assembled from all parts to celebrate two important events of a totally diverse nature —the erection of a tomb-stone to the memory of Hemi Taiwhanga, who dropped dead in Auckland two years ago, and' the marriage ■of two young men of the village to two young maidens of some other village. The names of the contracting parties (" contracting " has a business-like ring about it) were Miss Meri Pauru and Mr Tao Tahi Parata, and Miss Paipa Raharuhi and Mr Teiwi Ngaro Kapea; the Rev. E. Ruera Tetuhi being the officiating minister. Here was a blending of the grave with the gay, the killing of two birds with one stone (no joke is positively intended) that may seem incongruous to the Pakeha, but was perfectly in keeping with Maori custom and habit of thought The stone was the Roman skeleton at the feast, which, if it reminded our coloured brother of his mortality, certainly did not interfere with his mirth ; with the spirit of innocent enjoyment of this happy-go-lucky, light- hearted, hospitable race

We are inclined to be facetious at the expense of the Maoris associating with every function, the opportunity for indulging in a good ''feed." There's no doubt the feed is very often the best part of the function, but surely we mustn't forget the "British guzzle " of his civilized conquerors ; that appeal to the stomach so frequently made, whether in the bun-scuffles of Sunday school kids or the banquets to our Prime Ministers. There is one thing in favour of the Maori " guzzle " —to the Maoris' honour be it saidthere is no need of a gilt-edged invitation in order that you may be welcome to partake. Even the white tramp, unkempt and unknown, has the entree to a Maori's hospitality ; the way-faring hungry man cannot err by entering a Maori Kainga when " kai " is on. The wedding ceremonies, with one or two praiseworthy exceptions, were carried out in accordance with Pakeha custom. There were the brides' cakesf three tiers high, towering triumph of the confectioner's art, the tables frowning beneath the weight of the good things provided from all and sundry. Of course, the Maori despises a table unless when he's " At Home " to his guests on such an occasion as this. On other occasion's he's more at home without one. The wedding March Was very creditably playedby the Kakanui Native Brass Band, whose full strength is about fifteen members, and for whose existence we have to thank Mr Roger Fenton of Parkhurst, who took infinite pains to make it what it is. . The brides were ringed and given away in true orthodox fashion, but were mercifully spared the tortures of the rice-throwing sisterhood. While cheerfully affirming that the brides " looked lovely," I, a mere man, do not, for a moment, undertake to describe what in the shape of bridal endowment they had on; this i much, however, is certain that before very long they had all the adornment off, not in exchange for fashionable " going-away-gowns," because, unlike .their Pakeha sisters in similar circumstances, they didn't "go away,'' but stayed at home |p Kelp in the corking, and, as some return for the presents they received, to mm- ' ister to the comfort of their guests. The uncivilised Maoris ! Tq en> ploy the usual fqrinula slightly altered, these presents were " numerous and (not) costly." The present that costs more .than the giver can well spare, and places the reoipient und§r ajj opljgfttiftn not easily discharged, defeats the end for which such presents ought to be given, merely as tokens of good-will and regard. We have much to learn from the Maoris.

The Sports on the village green, foqt-faciflg, juigpifig, etp. ? if thpy did not break records, eausexl infinite amusement. In one event, which the starter called " The HelgnsviUe Gyp," fqr boys qf any age ? a lanky you,th answering to the name q'f Mick, was a hot favourite, but he disgusted his backers by bolting off the course at the sound of the Kai=belL before the race was half rui}. tCa Kii}o, Mick!

Amongst the visitors, one afteiv noon, I noticed Mr and' Mrs Harry Hooper and Misses- Agnes and Jenny Gardner, of Crlarit, wiio stayed fqr tea and the inevitable dance, and were welcome and honoured guests. Kapai Kakanui!