The Maori Weddings.

Manawatu Herald, 22 September 1900, Page 2

The Maori Weddings.

Tuesday last was a red letter day in Otaki. The great attraction of the day was the marriage of a chieftainesa of high repute, of the Ngatimahuta tribe, a charming young Native named Hera Herangi, daughter of Tahuna Herangi (Charles Searancke), grand-daughter of the late King Tawhiao, and niece of King Mahuta, whose wish it was that the princess in question should be allied to one of the Ngatiraukawa tribe. The bridegroom was Tungia Hema, a youth about 16 years of age, second son of Hema Ropata te Ao, a noted local chieftain, and grandson o! Ropata te Ab, ex-M H.R. for the Western Maori Division. The second marriage was that of Harimate, daughter of Hori te Waru, one of the local chiefs, to lene Renata te Takou, a native of high rank hailing from Hawke's Bay. THE WEDDINGS. At about 10.30 a.m. the bridal parties were escorted to the Native Mission Church, which was crowded to the doors. The lovely "Princess," Hera Herangi looked most charming in an exquisite dress of rich ivory ottoman silk, elaborately trimmed with a deep Lisse lace, bordered with pearl pMmentrie, her long court train, edged with the same trimming, being borne by two bridesmaids. She also wore a beautiful silk veil, richly embroidered, and surmounted hy a lovely wreath of orange blossoms, a bunch of the same at the waist delicately relieving the richness of the silk, the whole making a perfect confection recherche in design and finish. She was attended by six pretty little native girls as bridesmaids, dressed as follows : — Rangiahuta Hema (sister to the bridegroom), white pique, with cream sash, and large white Leghorn hat ; Taku Ropata, white spot muslin and lace, cream sash, and large Leghorn hat ; Tarere Tamati, white cashmere, with blue an# 1 white trimmings, and *lace picture hat ; Hopaea Rawiri, white pique, white Leghorn hat ; Ahinata Hakaraia Hoani, white nuns' veiling, lace hat ; Harai Inia Hoani, white nuns' veiling, gold sash and lace hat. Miss Harimate te Waru also made a charming bride. Her dress was of a rich cream lustre, the bodice heing heavily trimmed with- the new silk fringed Chantilly lace. The skirt was beautifully finished, with a scallop effect in silk, with ribbon bows at the points. These, with the orthodox veil and wreath, being quite a triumph in the dressmakers' art. She was attended by four bridesmaids — Oriwa te Waru (sister of the bride), in white cashmere and laoe, with large picture hat ; Wehenga Hohepa, white lawn empire dress, with large white hat ; Rumaiti te Waru (sister of the bride), and Te Huaki Patihona, white nuns' veiling, and Leghorn hats. Hera Herangi was given away by her father, whi c Uma Taipua attended lene Renata te Takou as best man. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Revs. Arona te Hana (Kereru) and Teri Pairata (Foxton), Native clergymen, and the Rev. Jas. MoWilliam, Native Missionary at Otaki. On emerging from the church, the bridal parties were greeted with the customary showers of rice, rose leaves, etc , and were driven towards the Otaki Town Hall, headed by the Otaki Maori Brass Band. The streets were thronged with people anxious to catch a glimpse" ofthe wedding parties, and, as the procession neared the bank corner, it was greeted with dances of welcome performed by large bands of Native men and women, who retreated backwards, waving green branches in their hands, and shouting their welcomes. The bridal parties were escorted to the Raukawa enclosure, where, in accordance with the Native custom, speeches were delivered by several of the leading chieftains present, after which the whole party made their way to the Town Hall to partake of the wedding breakfast. THE BREAKFAST. We feel sure that the wedding breakfast which was laid out in the Otaki Town Ha 1 last Tuesday has never previously been approached locally in splendour and bounty. There were three tables, all most tastefully decorated, ranged down lhe entire length of the hall, while there was another table on the stage for the chiefs and influential visitors. Standing on the stage were six large wedding cakes, the largest (five tiers) being the "Princess." The first guests to enter were the visiting natives and chiefs, with a few European friends, and there must have I been fully 200 persons seated. Several addresses suitable to the occasion were delivered in the Maori language. The feasting continued without intermission during the whole afternoon, and it is estimated that fully 1000 persons (Native and European) partook of the excellent repast during the day. The festivities were continued in the evening amidst great merriment. — Otaki Mail.