Historic Ngaruawahia
Maori and Pakeha Meet Governor-General Attends Water Sports (Special to THE SUNJ NGARUAWAHIA, To-day. AWAIATA of welcome, specially composed for the visit of His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, to the Ngaruawahia Regatta, was sung in his honour on the arrival of the Vice-Regal party this morning. So keen was the rivalry of the local tribes, for the honour of according the King’s representative a welcome, that it was contested by two hapus. A compromise was effected by permitting both to participate. Sir Charles acknowledged the greeting, saying that he felt honoured at the Maoris’ cordiality.
TDEAL conditions prevailed for the historic gathering, which now has been in existence for 32 years. Every effort was made by the committee, of which A. Warburton was the chairman, to encourage old Maori events. A special prize, awarded for the display of ancient Maori ornaments, in order to support the Ethnological Board’s desire for a revival of Maori arts and industries, drew good entries. The keenest interest was manifested in a te kawhake tamahine, or chase, for for a bride, always an event of great importance in the day’s sports. Prior to the gathering, Alexander Marky, of Universal Films, visited the model pa of Princess Tepuea Herangi and made a series of pictures for American travelogue films, for which
the princess posed in native costume. Mr. Marky also made a cinematograph record of the regatta, which will also have a world-wide audience. The appearance of outboard motorboats was a novel feature of the regatta, which drew a large attendance of both pakehas and Maoris. The natives were an extraordinary mixture of the old and new. The old-time mat was discarded by many of the younger generations In favour of the latest cut in American clothes Bare feet walked beside pug nosed brogues, and shingles were the order of to-day. Hakas, poi dances, a kopapa race (in which crews of 10 wahines participated), as well as canoe hurdle races, were among the most popular features of the day’s sports.
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Bibliographic details
Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 306, 17 March 1928, Page 13
Word Count
338Historic Ngaruawahia Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 306, 17 March 1928, Page 13
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