ORANGE BLOSSOMS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 April 1912, Page 3

ORANGE BLOSSOMS.

MAORI WEDDING AT

REWITI.

WHITIKA—PAIRAMA,

(Woodhill Correspondent,)

A very interesting wedding took place at Rewiti on Thursday 18th inst., the contracting parties being Mr Warati Whitika of Rewiti, and Miss Hiriana Pairama of Otamatea. ' '

The bride looked charming in white chiffon taffeta silk, veil and orange blossoms, and the bridegr^m, a strong handsome young Maieri, went through the ordeal with becoming dignity. The-cere-mony was performed by the Rev. Tuhi; the part singing of the na-; tiye choir being very fine. .

Breakfast was laid out in two large marquees, to which- a large; number of Europeans and Maoris were invited. The tables were laid and decorated in the best European style, the Rev. Tuhi presiding, with bride and bride-; groom on right and left. The bridegroom, in a few well-chosen words expressed the pleasure it gave him to have so many of his Maori and European friends present at his marriage and thanked them for helping to make the function a success.

Mr R Hoe, on behalf of the Europeans thanked the Maoris for the welcome given and expressed their appreciation of the very nice things placed before them; wishing Mr and Mrs Warati Whitika happiness, health, and prosperity. He said he would like to speak to the Maoris in their own language —in the good Maori speech of the old time natives, but perhaps if he,did, some of the young people might. not understand him ; still it was well, for they had the satisfaction of knowing they were adopting the language of the people who put down in writing and books the great deeds of the Maoris as well as of their European friends.

The company then joined in singing " For they, are jolly good fellows."

The Rev. Tuhi ably performed the difficult task of interpreting es. ■

both Maori and European speechThe customary evening's jollity after this wedding was particularly enjoyable. The Master of Ceremonies ably and pleasingly maintained perfect orderliness in the Meeting House, and so arranged his items of dance and song to best suit all. Among the items highly appreciated were three songs contributed by the Orakei Natives, besides the " Military-two-step " Dance, a Cake-walk, and the Poi. This meeting reminds one of some of the larger native gatherings held in this historic Meeting House —Whiti te ra.