Why Wanganui Maoris Will Not Race Waikatos

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 612, 14 March 1929, Page 1

Why Wanganui Maoris Will Not Race Waikatos

Tribal Elders Cling to Ancient Tradition 3.000 NATIVES ASSEMBLE An effort by tribal elders to cling to tradition has been responsible tor the withdrawal of historic canoes owned by Wanganui Maoris from the events at the Ngaruawahia regatta on Saturday. On principle, the elders refuse to r.sk their prestige in a race with Waikato natives, although the younger Maoris are protesting vigorously. The difference, which is likely to cause much comment at the tribal assembly at Ngaruawahia. is as much the outcome of the var3*ing views of several native factions in Wanganui as due to the age-old hostility to the W aikato Maoris. The best Wanganui canoes are owned by up-river Maoris anxious to keep up their traditions. The obstinacy of these Maoris has caused the falling through of what would have been an historic event—a race between tribes with the fastest canoes in New Zealand. To-day at Princess Te Puea

Tlerangi’s pa at Ngaruawahia the annual New Zealand Maori tennis tournament is opening. Mare important than the tennis are the discussions and inter-tribal mingling. By to-morrow 5,000 Maoris from all over New Zealand will have the opportunity to return in thought to pre-civilisation days at the hui.

When the Wanganui Maoris were invited to race their canoes many belie\ ed that the move would mean the reunion of two ancient enemies. For centuries, the peoples of Taranaki and Wanganui have hated the Waikato tribe. But in "W anganui there are four distinct native factions, and those aware of this position were not surprised when the invitation was not accepted.

The young Southern natives are eager to race their canoes, some of which are 300 years old. The elders have proved to be stumbling blocks. Then again, there has been dissension in Wanganui as to which branches of the tribe could enter the fastest canoe, upriver people, mid-river or lower-river. W itli almost amusing seriousness, the old natives of Wanganui have said that they will allow their canoes to race on the condition that they were not beaten. This, they said, was the principle made in tribal tradition. YOUNG MAORIS’ FEARS

Younger Wanganui Maoris are afraid that they may be considered to have the same attitude as their elders. They have no objection to racing the canoes. There is likely, further, to bo a wrong impression where the Wanganui tennis players are concerned, but they are apart from the canoe crews.

To Europeans, the position represents pettj* jealousy, but it is hard to overcome the complexes of Polynesian principle, inter-tribal relations and 1 thought. Ngapuhi tribespeople from North Auckland, Ngati- Porous from East Coast, Ngati-Kahungunus from Hawke’s Bay. Rotorua’s Arawus. Ngati-Maniapotos and Waikatos, Xgati-Ruanuis. Te Atiawas, NgatiHaus. Rangitanes and Ngati-Toas from ; Taranaki. Wanganui. Manawatu and j Wellington—all these leading tribe,j and innumerable liapus will be repreJ sented.

Tennis is merely a guise to bring both sexes of the tribes together. Young Maoris will realise what Irilii Uru. Hawaiiki, and Tawhiti—the basic homes of the natives—mean to their race. This time, even the remote Nga, Tahu people of the South Island will be represented. PROMINENT VISITORS

The Right Hon. J. G. Coates will be present, and the Hon. P. A. de la Pe.rrelle. Minister of Internal Affairs. They will attend the important functions next week-end. when there will be the opening and the dedication of Princess Te Puea’s hostel. The Right Rev. F. A. Bennet, Bishop of Aotearoa. Sir Apirana Ngata, Minister of Native Affairs, and Sir Maui Pomare are to be among the speakers. “Welcome to the Canoe . . .” The ancient greeting will be shouted by hundreds as newcomers* pass through the carved gates of the pa. Princess Te Puea’s pa has sprung from negligible beginnings to a monument to her influence. Several acres have been required for accommodation. There is a huge community eating place and many visitors will be able to prepare their food in native ovens, hangis. The four carvers Te Puea brought from Rotorua have done invaluable work in recording on wood old tribal pattern-. The centre of the interest in pa construction will be the towering meeting house, the wharepuni. Grinning carved figures line the walls. Ancient and modern themes are represented. Native thought will run riot at night. In mass gatherings, elders will harangue the listeners and will give tribal views on the destiny of the Maori race. Virile hakas. elegant poi dances and songs, alternately ringing and melancholy. will attract thousands of natives. European forms of entertainment will not be forgotten. There are many excellent Maori dance bands in the North Island. And so the preliminaries for the biggest native gathering in recent years are in hand. It all points to a substantial advance in united tribal thought.