MAORI FESTIVAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6501, 28 December 1881, Page 5

MAORI FESTIVAL.

The annual fit© at the Woodead Maori Pah took place on Boxing Day. At an early hour the Native* were astir, either preparing their exhibit* for the Flower Show, or busy with the decoration* ( which, together with the uniform of the Maori children, the holiday attire of their parent*, and the gay dreeae* of the lady visitors, gave a picturesque appearance to (he pah that could not fail to interest those who aaw it The pah also enjoyed an exceptional honour in a visit from His Excellency Sir Arthur Gordon, who had accepted an invitation to be present His Excellency was accompanied by his Lordship the Primate and Mr J. Studholme. After the Governor had partaken of refreshments he was escorted to the Town Hall, where the Flower Show was being held. The Maori children, under the leadership of their teacher, Mr Beeves, then sang the National Anthem; after which the Ear 6. Mutu, on behalf of the pah. welcomed His Excellency, and expressed, for himself and the other Maories, their sense of the honour conferred upon them. In replying, His Excellency stated that he bad been pleased by the invitation, was pleased to accept it, was pleased by seeing the progress made by the Maories; and, m conclusion, wished all present, Europeans and Maories, “ A Merry Christmas and a Happy Now Year.” Before His Excellency retired, three hearty cheers were given for ths Queen. Many of the Maories and some of the Europeans were quite surprised by His Excellency's affability, and could scarce believe it possible that they had seen and shaken hands with the Governor. One old lady actually danced for joy in IBs Excellency’s presence, and continued to do so for some time after he had left. The day’* proceedings were commenced with a children** service in the church, conducted by the Bevs Inwood and Mutu. Here the singing of the children reflected great credit on their master, Mr Beeves, as it did subsequently in the hall during the afternoon and evening. The next item on the programme was the flower show. The judges were Messrs Leigh, Sneap, Hobbs and Lowe, and they expressed themselves as highly plowed with the display, which they considered much superior to that of last year. In addition to the ordinary exhibits of a flower show, there was a display of greenstone and matt, as also of home-made Christmas cakes and bread. The latter was the result of a special prise, given by Mrs B. d’Auvergne, and the exhibit was very creditable to the Maori lady who made it. Other modes of entertainment were also provided for the great number of visitors, not the least being the incessant oratorical efforts of one of the Maories, whose speech, not a word of which could be understood by many of the listeners, was directed to ms companions lying around on the grass, and who, male and female, white they seemed to pay some attention to the speaker, paid more to the inevitable pipe. The list of amusements also comprised cricket, quoits, races, Ac. Refreshments were provided in the schoolroom, the waiting being chiefly done by the Maories. There was an entertainment in the evening, followed by a bolt. At the latter there could scarcely have been less than 120 persons present

Tha following U the prize-list of the Flower Shows—

Pox Plants (Opsn Class). Collection of four plant*—Mr Beeves, 1. Two fuchsia*—Ur Beave*. 1. Two petunia*, Mr Beeves, 1. Amatbcbs. Two pot plant*—Mr* Simeon, 1; Mr* Hope, 2. Three geranium#—Mrs Simeon, 1. Out Blooms (Open Clot*). Twelve row*—Mr Beeves,!; Mr Mutu, 2, Carnations, picotees, and pinks —Mr Beeves, I; Mutu,2. Yerbenas-Mr Beeves, X. Twelve pansies—Beeves, X; Mutu, 2. Table bouquet—G. Mutu, 1, Hand bouquet —O. Mutu, I. Amatbueb. Stocks—Mm Hope, I. Table bouquetMii* Williams, X; W 1 Naihera, 2. Hand bouquet—To Aika, X. Fbdit (Open Class.) . Strawberries—Beeves, X. GoosebemesBoeves, I; Mutu, 2. Currant*—Beeves, I. AMATBOfi*. Gooseberries—Mr# Fluty, X j Mrs Cm, 2. Currant*—Te Aika. I; Mrs Harawira, 2, Baspberrie#—Te Aika, 1. Yiobtabum (Open Class.) Collection of potatoes-Mutu, I. Kidney potatoes Beeves, I. Peas —Beeves, I. Carrots— Mutu, I. Cauliflower—Beeves, X. Cabbages—Mutu, X. AnATßtma. Kidney pototoes-Wi Meibom, 1 1 Mrs Wilson, 2, Bound potatoes-Mrs Urn, X; Miss Williams, 2. Collection of potatoesMrs Cm, 1. Boons—Mre Fluty. Xi Mn Simeon, 2. F«m~Mm Cm, I j Mrs Fluty, 2. Carrol*—Mrs Cm, I. Cauliflower*—Wi IWhera, 1; Mr* Cm, 11. Cabbage—Wi Haihora, X; Mrs Cm, ». lottiwe-Mrs Fluty, Is Mrs Simeon, 2. Ooion»-Wi Naibew, I; Mrs Cm, 2. SrBOIAL PBUBtf, Dr Ovendso, 10* for best collection out bloom* in open class—Mr Beeves, 1. Dr Ovendon, 11# for best collection cot bloom# in amateur (Maori) okis—Mr# Hop*, 1. Mr Xoleb. 13 rose trees for best colleotion of fruit in open class—Mr Boeyesrl. Mr Leigh, 12 rose trees for best collodion fruit In amateur class—Mrs Cm, I. Mrs B. d* Auvergne, 3s for best bat homo made bread—Mr Wilson, 1. Oreoiuitoao collection _!mulu. I; Cm and Mabuika (equal.) Mats—ikr* Simeon, 1 1 Mrs Werita, i .