NATIVE FEAST AT THE BAY OF ISLANDS.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume 1, Issue 1, 1 January 1855, Page 27

NATIVE FEAST AT THE BAY OF ISLANDS.

[Communicated.] On Christmas Day, the natives had a grand festival at the Karetu, given by Pomara, in return for the one given last year by Tama Rehe, at Waiomio. The affair was got up in a most creditable manner; and the utmost profusion was displayed throughout, in the shape of eatables. In this respect the feast far outdid some of the more fashionable " spreads" of Auckland. A large Raupu building, 85 feet in length, had been erected, with a middle row of substantial pillars, and a well plated roof. Along the centre ranged the tables, with seats on each side, and nothing visible evinced the temporary purpose of the building, except the gay flags that adorned its wings. The assembly numbered from 400 to 500 Trom the various tribes surrounding the Bay ; and nothing could exceed the harmony and friendship that existed between all parties, including some who had been formerly on anything but amicable terms. The festivities lasted two days without the occurence of any disagreeable interruption ; and several ladies and gentlemen (Europeans) who were present, expressed the utmost satisfaction at the orderly and pleasant manner in which every thing had been conducted The following are the tribes that attended, and the chiefs that severally represented them. As some oi the principal chiefs were accidentally absent, the next in precedence became, of course., primary on the occasion. It may also be remarked that, according to custom, they were all invited by the recipients of the " Return Feast." Chiefs. Tribes. Pomare Te Urikaraka. Tamarehe Ngatikahununu. Hori Kingi Ngatimanu. Hutu Ngatihau. Tito Te Urikoroi. Te Hemoiti Te Hikutu. Pehiriri Ngatihine. Renata Karu Te Urkongaonga. Rewiri Tarapata.. Ngaetawake. Hori Karaka Te Ihutai. Hepi Te Hotete... Ngaitoro. Ruhe Te Uritaniwha. The grand steward of the feast was a chieftainess of Pomare's tribe, Mary Dean ; and verv admirably did she execute the duties of her office. The assistant stewards were :—Era Peti; Te Nota ) Heni Karaka; Huria Kewikewi ; "Waipa; Maria Pori, and E Moni, all females ol high blood among the rulers of the several tribes. A spirited war-dance, racing, and other athletic exercises agreeably varied the proceedings; and rendered them any thing but tedious to the passive spectators. The war dance was granted b\

Pomare at the special request of the Europeans, for their entertainment. Some of these remained all night at the scene of festivities ; and were most hospitably entertained by the presiding chiefs. Maparaoa made himself particularly conspicuous by his delicate attentions to the comfort of his guests. Taking the affair altogether, wc can truly say that we have seldom spent a more happy and merry Christmas; and it was most satisfactory to witness the cordiality and friendship existing beteen the several tribes. In sounanimity, and good fellowship, * they might indeed have set a useful example to similar rejoicings among parties assuming perfect civilisation. The net cost of provisions and accom panying delicacies was