MAORI “PARLIAMENT.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1955, 22 March 1919, Page 4

MAORI “PARLIAMENT.”

OPENED AT NGA RUAWAHIA

PICTURESQUE CEREMONY,

A .Maori Council Cliamhcr crocus! by the Maikato and .Maniapolo (rides as a place for (he holding of Iribal discussions, and of fra Tiling - resolutions and suggestions lo be forwarded (o Parliament, was opened at Ngaruawahia last .Monday, savs the Auckland Herald. It is intended lo hold sittings of (lie council twice annually for the discussion of matters affecting the natives. The unique ceremony attracted large numbers of native visitors from all parts of the province, the Wairarapa and Otaki, and Olorobanga. Those attending were estimated lo number about ‘2.000. The Hon. Dr. Pomare, member of the Executive Council, representing the native race, was among the spectators. Owing to indisposition, “King” Maluita was unable to attend. The Council House, or the “Turanga A) ai” (the loots(ool), is the outcome of a prophecy that Ngarua - wahia should one day become (lie seat of administration, or “the footstool” of the Waikato tribe, a prophecy made three generations ago by the then “King”. Polalan. His sucessor, “King” Tawiao, made an effort to carry out the wish of his ancestor, without success. It was not until the present ruler, Mahula, came into power that the proposal became practicable through the efforts of Princess Te Pula, a cousin of the present “king,” and with financial assistance from the various tribes. NATIVE FEATURES RETAINED. The interesting building has been erected in the centre of ( lie Ngarua - wahia township. Externally the council chamber is not unlike a very modern Maori house. Though built of brick on a concrete foundation, the essential features of the native architect are have been retained. The frontal porch is supported bytwo grotesquely-carved pillars, which in turn bear the carved gable pieces, and terminate at the angle in a large teko toko post. The main building is comprised of the large central chamber Hanked by smaller looms at either end. .Maori carving stained with red ochre forms an integral part of the external ornaments. The walls are of stucco, a pale yellow tint. The roof is of red tiles. The opening ceremony was entive1\ nati\ c in character, and was not a little picturesque. About the entrance steps were grouped parties of poi (girls dressed in their native costumes, with red ribbons in their dark hair. Older women, wearing bright dresses and gaudy shawls, squatted here and there ceaselessly droning their native songs. Crowds of men, not a few of them soldiers in uniform, pressed closely about the entrance porch, eager to enter the building. From the Jlagpole on the roof waved two large Hags, one a crimson pennant with tribal names embroidered, the other bearing tho symbolic rainbow at one time worshipped by r the natives, CONSECRATION CEREMONY; The first part of the ceremony was one of consecration, performed by the Rev. Mr Kirkwood, Wesleyan minister from Raglan, and the Rev.

Tokoroa, of Mercer, representing the. Anglican Church. On the invitation of the Church officials, the Maoris sang a number of hymns and songs of welcome.

Chief Puihann then welcomed the natives on behalf of the “king.” The three youths, Taipu Hahuta, a brother of the present “king,” Tea Tawhiao and Tuata Tawhiao, his cousins, then crossed the ferry to the native encampment at the junction of the Waikato and the Waipa Rivers, and escorted (he visiting chiefs to the meeting house. One of these, Tutanekai, of Rotorua, then gave an address of welcome. ENTRANCE THROUGH MAIN DOORS.

The excitement became intense as the time for opening the ornamented doors approached. The pois began to swing, and the onlookers repeated welcome songs in unison as (he three Maori princesses, Te Puia, Ui-ra and Piupiu, all relations of the “king,” Avere led to the ornamented doors. At once the various chiefs advanced into the council hall, or “throne room,” as it is knoAvn by the natives. They were foiloAved by several Avahines uttering their plaintive cries.

The visitors then sealed themselves in groups on mats laid on the floor, and Avere addressed by Chief Tupata, from HaAvera, and by Chief Tuavlui Kiririka, of Otorohanga, avlio said that the building Avas not meant for any individual man, but for the native Maori race. The ceremony Avas then closed by a short address by Hongi Hongi, of Otorohanga. The eager croAvd outside, Avho Avere of necessity held back by the police, were uoav alloAVed to enter the building. After a thorough inspection, the natives returned to their encampment to prepare a banquet, in honour of the occasion.

A GLIMPSE OF THE INTERIOR. The interior decoration of the “throne room” has been carried out with a line regard to tlie good uses to Avhich the building is (o be put, and with no apparent regard to expense. At the pvestern end is the “royal” chair raised on a dais, draped Avith gorgeous feather and llax mats. Behind the chair is a tall pedestal of native Avood, heavily carved and hung with largo greenstone mores. Over the chair is laid a fine dull red mat, made from (he feathers of the kaka. On cither side are stools, that on the right for the use of the native “premier,” Tupa TangahaAva, that on the left for one of Rata’s leading chiefs. There is no other furniture in the room, I he custom being for the hover natives to sit upon the mats of coloured llax spread upon the floor. At intervals the Avails of ribbed Avoods are draped with handsome coloured mats, including several (anekos, made from kiAvi plumage. Many of these have been brought from the treasure house of “King” Mahuta, The ceiling is of yelloAV meshes, at intervals crossed by beams decorated Avith characteristic patterns in red, Avhile and black. These patterns deal Avith symbolic phases of Maori history. Flag** bearing the names of inporlant tribes hang here and there. The carvings Avert* done by members of the Raukawa and the Whakalere tribes. The decorations for the sittingrooms arc of a similar, but simpler, nature. EESITVE CELEBRATIoNS. The festive celebrations are being continued at a groat h’ui held on the banks of the Waipa River. Over 1,000 Maoris are encamped there, each tribe being allotted a separate tent. Here the natives arc seen in (heir element, A lofty nikau shelter, three chains long, has been erected to cover the dining-tables, at which the natives have; (heir meals. The natives make a (plaint picture sepia (ting in groups round piles of potatoes and kumaras. or building up their hangis with vegetables, dried eels, sharks, and strings of threaded pipis upon the red-hot stones. The feasting Avill be continued with frequent korcros until Thursday.