Festivities at the Pa.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXII, Issue 4056, 26 May 1900, Page 2

Festivities at the Pa.

It is estimated that fully 1000 Maoris are present at the pa, in order to celebrate the opening of a now church, which is to be consecrated to-morrow by the Bishop of Waiapu. On Monday, the festivities will begin and the proceedings promise to be both novel and interesting. A procession of Maoris, carrying their ancient weapons, will start at 11 a.m. and will march around the pa. The leader of tho procession will play a real Maori trumpet and the Kuranui, tho Maori flag, will occupy a prominent position. The Maori silver band will come next, playing a number of selections, and as the performers are all proficient on their respective instruments, their playing should attract a lot of attention. A featuro of the procession will be the marching of the old Maori veterans who fought for tho Queen during the war of 1866-69. The Te Aute College boys, in full uniform will then take up their positions and will be followed by men, women, and children attired in native and European fashion, who will at intervals perform a number of war dances. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the day will bo the real Maori dinner, served as in the olden days upon tho grass, and the edibles for which will comprise tho delicacies, bar roast missionary, which the natives relished before tho advent of the pakeha. An exhibition will be given of many Maori customs which are rapidly sinking into oblivion, including tho old method of lighting fires. Two Hags will be hoisted at the pa, ono being the true Maori Hag aud the other the Union Jack. A cordial invitation to witness the proceedings is extended to all.