A MAORI CUSTOM.

Otaki Mail, 7 April 1922, Page 2

A MAORI CUSTOM.

A custom among the Maoris, which is stated to bo a part of Te Whiti’e teaching, is being revived amongst members of the native Taee in Taranaki (6uys the Daily News). Years ago there were four days in the year which were recognised as “holy” days, viz., the 13th of March, June, September and December, on which days the natives assembled at their pahs for the purpose of discussing matters of importance to the tribes, renewing acquaintances, and expressing sympathy with the afflicted or congratulations to the successful, as the case might be. In earlier days gatherings of euch a nature held at Parihaka attracted natives from all over the North Island, With the object of renewing this custom a visit to Waitara, Parihaka, and Motoroa has just been made by Mr* Heaare Kaihau and family, of the King Country, Mrs Kaihau is the widow of Mr Henare Kaihau, who wn elected to Parliament in 1902, and later on defeated by the present native member, Dr. Pouaare. The present visit of Mrs Kaihau is the first she has made to Taranaki since her husband's death, and on Monday last e number of Maori* assembled at Mr AtuiJ* house at Meturea fop the purpose of welcoming the visitors and expressing regret at the loss of her husband, who was held in high esteem by the Maoris throughout the Dominion. Many speeches were made daring which the principal theme was a strong expression of loyalty to the Empire and the desire that the kinship between Maori and Pakeha should be mor£ close,