NATIVE CEREMONIAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1963, 10 April 1919, Page 1

NATIVE CEREMONIAL.

WELCOME AT AUCKLAND. WAR AND PEACE DANCES. INTERESTING SPECTACLE. The native welcome to the Maori Battalion at the Auckland Domain on Monday was a most spectacular- and interesting' ceremony, being carried out in time-honoured manner, with all tradition fully maintained. It was the greatest Maori ceremonial of its kind held since the royal visit to Rotorua in 1901. Representatives of every tribe in New Zealand Avere waiting there to greet the returning braves. Grouped in picturesque native fashion were the welcoming parties of Arawa and Matatua tribes, the Ngapnhis, Manipotos, Waikatos, and Ngatiwhatauas, Avith chiefs and chieftainesses of high rank at their head. As the men marched off the wharf on route for the Domain they Avere greeted with rousing cheers from the crowd assembled to greet them. A banner, stretched across Queen Street Imre a greeting in Maori, with the English translation, “Brave .warriors, welcome to your shores!" Flags Avere Hying from many of the buildings, and the demonstration from those avlio lined (he street Avas one of great enthusiasm, Led by the Auckland Infantry Band. Avhich returned from England Avith ' the troops, the Pioneer Battalion, marching in column of route, presented an unique and memorable spectacle. The significance of the occasion, absolutely unique in the history of New Zealand, was borne in upon those lining the streets, and they cheered, and cheered again as these warriors, Jit descendants of a noble race, marched up the streets of (he city from which many had gone forth on their journey to far lands as soldiers in a great cause. They bore themselves splendidly, marching av it!) the free, steady step of veterans who have known all the stern training of war, with (ho pride of men returning at last to their natiA’e land as victors in a hard-Avon tight, - AT THE DOMAIN. All along the route there Avere cheering crowds to greet the Muons, Avhile at the Domain entrance they Avere given the most significant and memorable Avelcome of all. Here a company of the King’s Empire Veterans, under Major Grant, Avas draAvn up, almost all (lie old soldiers Avearing the Maori war medal. Thus they met at last the descendants of their former foes as honoured brothers in arms, and their salute to the Maori soldiers avus a symbol of the respect and admiration of one brave race for another. Inside the gates a vast crowd of pakehas and Maoris Availed (o give the ultimate Avelcome. The pavilion and slopes surrounding the cricket ground Avere thronged Avith thousands of people, the visiting Maoris being grouped together opposite the paviliori. A great burst of cheering Avent up as the men marched on to the ground to the music of (he band. The salute avus taken by Sir James Allen as they passed the base, just inside the gates. The soldiers passed on, and took up their position opposite the Avelcoming party. A TRADITIONAL WELCOME. As the soldiers advanced, they Avere met by the challenging party, (his challenge being repeated jtjhree times according to custom, and folloAved by a war-dance, titling as a Avelcome.’ The challenge, or “Avero," and “puha," representing a surprise spring laid against an enemy. Avere folloAved by the “pohiri," or dance of Avelcome in Avhich the demeanour of the people changes from that of tierce anger to that, of peace. These dances, led by chiefs in the full Avar costume, Avere most impressive, and even to the pakeha, unfamiliar Avith their meaning, held a certain thrilling significance. The Avonderfttlly lithe motions„ of the dancers, the grace and agility Avith Avhich they performed the varied movements, the beauty of the forms of many of the warriors naked to the Avaist, and the picturesque native costumes of the women, made a scene that feAV of those present had ever Avitnessed before, and possibly may never see again. All the treasured heirlooms of the tribes had been brought from their safe-keeping for the great occasion, the -greenstone meres, the kiwi mats, the chieftain’s headdresses, the beautiful piu-piu skirts, and all the other details of fulldress native costume. The preliminary native ceremony concluded, speeches of welcome Avere delivered. The speeches were followed by a baka, by members of the Annva tribe, this being received with loud applause front the spectators of both races. Chiefs of the different ' tribes then extended speeches of *

welcome, delivered with the poetic and impassioned fervour characteristic of their race. More picturesque hukas, poi-danees and chants of welcome followed, in which the emotion of the dancers ran high, and gave to (lie performance a rare spirit of realism and intensity of feeling. It was as if the inspiration of all the centuries of war and victory had suddenly touched the souls of the dancers, transforming them once more into warriors of proud, uneonquered days gone by. For many, it was the greatest day of life, and they gloried in its joy and pride. AN OLD-TIME .FEAST. At intervals through the long ceremony, refreshments were served to the troops by the "Women’s Ministering Committee, and shortly after one o’clock they assembled for dinner. Cloths were laid on the grass in front of the pavilion, and an active corps of helpers, consisting of the Queen Victoria School girls, boys from St. Stephen’s, and many of the welcoming natives, stationed in place. The food had ail been prepared in true Maori style, .having been cooked in a. kapaAlaori bribe adjacent camp, it was a feast worthy (he occasion. Croat joints of mutton, beef and pork, 1 pumpkins, kumaras, corn and potatoes, were brought steaming' hot from the earth ovens, and placed before the soldiers by the active waitresses The caterer, Mr J. T. Sinclair, had made preparations for nearly 2,(1i1t), this number including (he (><)() Maoris in camp, who joined

the men at (lie feast. The actual number of diners avus 1680. Many hundreds of pakehas remained to Avatch the unique spectacle, the slopes of (lie hills and pavilion remaining thronged throughout the afternoon. MEMORIES OF THE DEPARTED. 'The chief ceremony of (he afternoon was a langi for the departed. The soldiers of each’tribe sat in the midst of an enclosure in the camp adjoining the sports ground, and aronnd them were gathered the sorroAving ones. With low Availing and chants of sorroAV, led by their chiefs, the mourners grieved for those avlio would never return. It was a scene of real pathos and emotion, the significance of which seemed to he lost to the crowds of Avhite people avlio pressed in upon the mourners,seeming to regard it as a .scene of entertainment instead of one of solemnity and grief. The Maoris remained in the camp throughout tlie afternoon, rejoicing in the reunion with their kith and kin. A service Avas conducted by Dr. A. W. Avcrill, Anglican Bishop of Auckland, at the (dose of the afternoon, at Avhich he extended a hearty welcome to the returned men. Speaking of (he welcome, Captain H. R. Verco, D. 5.0., avlio has been in charge of the arrangements, expressed highest appreciation of the way in which Auckland citizens had welcomed the Pioneer Battalion. “The spirit of the Avhole Avelcome has lain in the deep feeling of gratitude of the natives for the Avay in which the Mayor and citizens have greeted the soldiers," he said. “So generous a spirit has been shown that the Maoris all fell they must do their very utmost to make the occasion a great and memorable success. It lias been a wonderful day, and, speaking for all my people, I 1 thank Aucklanders most heartily for the splendid spirit of their welcome to our men.”