THE TAWHIAO BANQUET AT AUCKLAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2763, 31 January 1882, Page 2

THE TAWHIAO BANQUET AT AUCKLAND.

(From the “ Star.”)

It was easily seen that the Maoris had given a very loose interpretation to the intimation of their, entertainers that evening dress was not necessary, even assuming that they had heard of it. They appeared in all sorts of costumes; Some came attired in coat and trousers, ; and minus their shoes, others had dis carded pants altogether in favor of the blanket, and Tawhiao himself, although attired more after the European fashion than he was in the afternoon, attracted notice by a roll of white linen which was flung across his right shoulder and breast like a military waist-belt. Pos sibly it was the outward badge royalty. If the appearance of the guests at the table was outre and grotesque, the incidents of the banquet were doubly so. This was in a great measure the fault of the caterer, Mr Dallen, whose arrangements were as imperfect- and unsatisfactory as the menu which he laid before the banquetters was scant and meagre. The company was so arranged that in sitting down to table the two races were intermingled as much as possible, so that the proceedings might be gone through with proper decorum, and everyone placed at his ease. At this time the only eatables to be had were fruit and cakes, which were placed ip small quantities along the board. The Maoris sat sedately for a while, listening attentively to the operatic selections which the Artillery Band, up in the gallery, was performing for their edification. As soon, however, as the music deased, they began to fidget about and exhibit other signs of uneasiness, evidently thinking that the instrumentals had been giving the signal for the commencement of the onslaught upon the provisions. As only the .fruit -and mixed biscuits were within sight, they cheerfully addressed themselves to these, and in the twink ling of an eye, therefore, strawberries, peaches, bananas, and pineapples sweetened by occasional draughts of sherry and claret—were in process of consumption; This preliminary repast was about giving out when a strong odour of broiled fish'assailed the nostrils of the ‘banquetters. Amoinent later this course was placed upon the table, and its fragrance filled the hall. In, fact, some weie fastidious enough to think the fish too fragrant. Another awkward pause ensued, which the Maoris, not one whit abashed or nonplussed, filled up by a renewed attack upon the remaining fruit and biscuits, strawberries 1 finding especial favor in the eyes of those who had just discussed the fish. At this stage the members of the Reception Committee, seeing that their active assistance was,'needed if the affair was not to become a perfect fiasco, readily gave r jtheir , services as waiters. No meats, either boiled or roast, had arrived.-, at the hall, but some roast fowl had, and these were quickly carved and handed round by the indefatigable committeemen, along with a plentiful supply of vegetables. The Europeans who had hitherto abstained from eating now commenced, and the Maoris having already despatched the lighter comestibles, right heartily joinedjthem in attacking the fresh course. The sweets followed and the cigars haying been handed round some time was allowed for a post prandial smoke, in which everyone—the Maori women quite as readily as the men—seemed to indulge con aiiwre.