NATIVE WEDDING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3924, 28 March 1929, Page 2

NATIVE WEDDING.

A Native wedding was conducted at the Rakaupaevvai meeting house, Motuiti, yesterday afternoon when Taiwai .R'olri, step sifter of Mr. Thofmas Tuiia, otf Foxton, was united to Mr. Mathew Kill, of Waipawa. The wedding was celebrated according to teachings of Ratana and one df iris disciples, Rev. Maraenui, of the Rangitikei district, in the purple robes of his office, officiated. As the bride approached the meeting house on the arm of Mr. Tuna she was welcomed by several Native wo'men and conducted to a place alongside the whiting bridegroom in the meeting-house. She was attended by Miss ,M. Tatana (Levin) as bridesmaid, while Mrs. Ilolgerson (Motuiti) carried out the duties of matron of honour, and little .Miss M. Roiri, a sister of the bride, acted as flower girl. Mr. C. Hill, a brother of the bridegroom was in attendance as best man. The bride is a daughter of Mr. T. Napier, of Motui'ti and is .well known in these parts. She was prettily attired in a cream dress, with silver shoes and orthodox veil and wore a string of pearls around her neck. The bridesmaid was attired in pink and the matron of honour wore a floral dress, all .carrying hands'olme bouquets. The ceremony which (was conducted in Maori occupied about half an hour. Just prior to the ling being placed on the bride’s finger, the minister asked the bridegroom in English, “ do you wish to shake hands with anyone?” The bridegroom turned round and grasped his brother’s hand. On the same question being put to the bride she shook hands with Mr. Tuna, her step brother. The ceremony was then continued and the Minister, at the conclusion said in English, “I wish and hope that .the pathway between you two will .In' strewn with beautiful flowers to the glory of the Lord. Good luck and God’s blessing .on both of you.” As. the happy couple left the meeting house they were liberally showered with .confetti and outside a. (welcome was accorded them in the real old Native fashion by Mr. PI Rata who danced and gesticulated as lie addressed .the couple at some length. A wedding feast was then indulged in and the celebrations were kept up last evening. Mr. and Mrs. Hill will leave later for their holme which will be in the Hawke’s Bay district.