PARIHAKAS’S DECLINE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1003, 10 June 1911, Page 4

PARIHAKAS’S DECLINE.

Parihaka, the historic Maori pah, the scene thirty years ago of troublous times,, and for years past of great native gatherings, will be merely a name, as it is rapidly becoming deserted, says the New Plymouth News. The death of Charles Waitara has completed the exodus that commenced after the demise of the prophets Point and Te Whiti. A few years ago every house, both “mansion” and whare, was fully occupied, several billiard rooms, boardinghouses, etc., were in full swing, ana the visitor could not help but notice the signs of animation and progress. On Monday the ministerial party who visited the village were struck with the air of desolation that pervaded the place. The majority of houses are unoccupied, and the whole population appeared to consist of two or three old men, several women and a few children, who assembled on the “ matae.” Asked as to th absence ot the men, one of th native onlookers remarked that they were away working. The voluntary breaking up of this communal system, as practised at Parihaka, is undoubtedly a splendid thing for the Maori,