Maori Ceremonies.

Manawatu Herald, 31 March 1900, Page 2

Maori Ceremonies.

■■» A Maori consecration (or kawanga) in connection with Mr C. E. Nelson's carved house by the Arawa and Ngatiana tribes at Eotorua has been concluded. The house opening was carried out in strict accordance with the ancient Maori religion, two of the most noted old chiefs in the island conducting the ceremonials. The ceremony of freeing the house from tapu was performed by an old Rangitahau, a noted priest from Taupo, formerly known as TeKooti's chief executioner. The first opera*

tion was that of kindling tho sacred fire known as "the oven of Tana." This fire is the last lingering relic of fire worship amongst the Maoris. Among the incantations used was the well-known prayer used by the priest of the Arawas some centuries back •when that craft was crossing the Pacific Ocean. Subsequently the priest recited an ancient heathen "Karrkia" at the pillars inside. The freeing of the house from tapu was one of the most impressive parts of the ritual. Feasting, hakas, and poi dances followed as a wind-up. The house has been named Bourn, after the originator of the carving art in New Zealand, who lived on the East Coast twenty centuries ago.