THE WI PARAONE WEDDING.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 122, 3 May 1884, Page 2

THE WI PARAONE WEDDING.

Nearly the whole of Gisborne turned out to honor the above wedding yesterday, and the road between town and Makauri presented a lively spectacle. On arrival at the scene of the festivities it was found that ample accommodation and provision had been made for the large number of friends, both Pakeha and Native, which had been invited. From halfpast nine carts, carriages, buggies, and horses of every size and description began thronging in, and active operations were going on in all directions. Numerous copper Maories were to be seen in all directions, some already filled and others in the process of filling with kumeras, potatoes, pigeons, pheasants, turkeys and whole pigs, and those who had never before seen the novel Native method of cooking expressed great surprise at the peculiar plan adopted. The ringing of a bell announced that the more serious and interesting part of the ceremony was about to commence, and on arriving at the church the bride was ic-l in by Mr. W. Cooper, who acted as best man. The bride was attended by one maid in the person of Miss Ellen Green, and looked remarkably well, being dressed in a brocaded cream satin trimmed with orange blossoms and a long white veil. The church was crammed in every corner, and there must have been at least 200 present. During the service a person, whom it has since been ascertained is an interpreter, created a slight disturbance, but his ravings beng disregarded he shortly subsided and retired. After the ceremony and the signing of the register, Wi Parone, the father of the happy bridegroom, addressed those present (Mr Ferris interpreting), and said—“ I wish to say a few words to you, ladies and gentlemen, who have come from Gisborne to-day. It pleases me very much to see so many ladies, gentlemen and Natives as are here to day to witness the marriage of these children. This is a great event. Two benefits are to-day derived—one the marriage, and the other the talk afterwards. I have been s : fting a good deal lately to find something new to tell you but have failed to find anything. In the past there have been many assemblages of Natives and Europeans, but I will confine myself to what took place to-day. I do not look upon the marriage to-day as the principal event, but what will come of the talk. Marriage is good. I am pleased to s?e you all to-day. You have come out at my invitation. If I had thought within myself to have had a simple marriage it would have been well, but I decided-on adopting the course for which we are now assembled. That is all I have to say. The Rev. Kereama Piwhaka then addressed a few remarks to the assembly.

Wi Paraone then announced the breakfast would take place at 1 o’clock. The interval was enlivened by some choice selections by the Maori band, the members of which at least understand time, if not tune. At one o’clock breakfast was announced and about 80 ladies and gentlemen sat down to an excellent repast, consisting of pigeons, turkeys, pheasants, and other choice morsels too numerous to mention, io say nothing of ales, wines, spirits, lemonade, &c. The table looked very nice, and the cake was simply a tower of magnificence. One very pleasant novelty was to be noticed, viz., that the name of every lady was written on a card and deposited in a plate, and denoted where she was to sit. This saved crushing and annoyance, and worked very well. Mr. Eff. Ward acted as chairman, and sat between the bride and bridegroom, much to the astonishment of the latter, while Capt. Ferris and Major Pitt sat at the head and foot of the table respectively. After the good things had been disposed of, Mr. Ward asked all present to charge their glasses, and in a few well-chosen remarks stated he had the pleasure of proposing “ The health of the bride coupled with the name of William Cooper.” Mr. Cooper suitably replied, and proposed “ The health of the bridegroom.” Mr. W. Grey proposed “The host dr hostess” and regretted he could not make a speech on the subject as they were great friends of his. He could talk boating with anybody, but this beat him. Mr. Ferris stated it was difficult for a man to respond for himself, but it was still more difficult to respond for a friend. However, in behalf of the host and hostess, he thanked everybody for their kind wishes and attendance, and hoped they had all enjoyed themselves.

Mr. W. Maude then rose and proposed “ The Colonial Forces and Volunteers,” coupled with the name of Major Ropata (loud applause) and said I need hardly say how much we have to thank Major Ropata, for he one of the best friends we have had in New Zealand. He has stuck to us loyally, and fought for us well. We all know the deeds of valor he has performed. He is entitled to great honor. I don’t think we can go wrong in honoring a man whom the Queen has honored. We are all ashamed of the action taken by the Government in reducing the salary of such a brave man as Major Ropata. It was well earned money and I don’t think, to suit the whim of an ignorant man like Bryce, it should have been done. Major Ropata, in response said, I am going to return thanks. The Maories do not understand this custom of drinking healths. I am very thankful for the manner in which you have drunk my health. Of course you know I have always been the friend of Europeans, and the Queen. That is the way I have been and will remain. I am glad to see you now, and glad of the honor you have conferred on us by being present at the marriage of these children. lam pleased to see two such young children know the benefit of marrying young, and according to law. I hope all young people will get married. Marriage is a good thing. The Europeans told the Maories marriage came from God, and we have followed your custom. The Maories had marriages of their own by simply joining people together, and they are just as binding and good as yours, although we had no rings. We ought to give thanks to the Queen, who still thinks of New Zealand. We ought to live together in faith, hope, and love. Salutations to all of you, I now propose “ The health of my great friend in times of trouble, viz., Major Pitt.” Major Pitt having suitably replied, Mr. Greenwood had the greatest toast of all to propose, and amidst roars of laughter on all sides proposed “ The Ladies.” Mr. W. Good responded, and thus terminated one of the most pleasant and enjoyable occasions which has been witnessed in the Bay for some time.