MAORI CEREMONY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 85, 1 December 1931, Page 6

MAORI CEREMONY

large gathering SIR APIRANA NGATA OPENS DINING ROOM AT TE NGAE.1 • — ! U FUTURE RETIREMENT ' INDICATED. A Maori gathering of considerable interest and importanee was held at Te Ngae over the week-end, when the Minister for Native Affairs, the Hon. Sir Apirana T. Ngata, offieially opened the new diningroom which has been erected by the Uenukukopako sub-tribe of the Arawas as an adjunct to their meeting house. -Representatives of all sections of the tribe were present and there were in addition many visitors from as far afield as Matata, Taupo, Whakatane, Maketu and Tauranga. The Minister is at present on a tour of his electorate (Eastern Maori) and although he was assured of the support of the Uenukukopako tribe, by its chief, Te Kata Tamihana, Sir Apirana referred to a number of matters of interest to the Maori electorate. At the same time, the Minister indicated that if returned on Tuesday, the ensuing term would be his last, as he intended definitely to retire from political life at the end of that period. His only reason for seeking re-election at this juncture was in order to carry through work which was not at prseent completed, but which he hoped would come to fruition during the coming term. The dining room, which is a handsomely carved and very well equipped structure, 50 by 40 feet in dimensions, has been named Taiotekura and was carved by Mita Tuhuruhuru, a member of the tribe. The official opening was carried out by the Minister, assisted by Mrs. Tai Mitchell. Speeches of welcome were made by the chief of the tribe, Te Kata Tamihana, son of the late chief Tamihana Tikitere, by chief Mita Taupopoki, of Whakarewarewa, and Matuha Enoka, the oldest member of the Uenukukopako tribe. Replies to' the welcome were made by Te Naera (Ngati Whakaue), Te Miri (Ngati Whakaue), Heketoro (Ngati Rangiwewehi) and Kapo (Ngati Whakaue). Minister's Achievements. In his speech of welcome to the Minister, Te Kata Tamihana referred to the recent death of Sir Apirana's wife and expressed the deep sympathy of his tribe to their guest in his bereavement. The chief also referred to the outstanding achievements of Sir Apirana during his term as Native Minister. He had been responsible for the appointment of a Maori Bishop, the arrangement of compensation for the Rotorua and Taupo lakes, and many important land development co-opera-tive schemes at present in operation, and was also vigorously endeavouring to have St. Stephen's College proclaimed a school exclusively for Maori boys. On behalf of his tribe, Te Kata Tamihana also assured the Minister of their support of his candidature. Sir Apirana's Reply. In reply, the Minister dealt at some length with the progress of the different land development schemes, which he said were all showing promise of excellent results. He made special reference to the Horohoro block, where at one time there had been nothing but a growth of tutu and fern, but which had now been replaced by an excellent growth of grass. The schemes were designed to help the Maori people and any of them who were prepared to work could he assured of assistance in con-' nection with developmental work. Referring to the candidate opposing him in the electorate, Pita Moko (a' follower of Ratana), Sir Apirana said he welcomed opposition. At the same time he realised that the Ratana candidate was by blood more closely related to the Ohinemutu section of the Arawa tribe than he was, and this might gain him more support in this district. In any case, if returned, the coming term would be his last, as he definitely intended to retire from political life at the end of that period. He was getting on in years ■ and he wished to end his days in peace, but he had certain works yet to see carried to, completion. The celebrations in connection with the opening of the dining room extended over the week-end and it was not until Sunday afternoon that the visitors commenced to disperse to their homes. Sir Apirana left Rotorua on Sunday en route to Opotiki.