A VISIT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 914, 2 May 1878, Page 2

A VISIT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF WHATAWHATA.

\i~ ■ ■ ■ Some little time ago I had au opportunity of observing how the natives had advanced in civilisation, learning to dance etc., .bub on last Sunday we in WhataWhata, were visited by a large number of natives, several hundreds f-'ora Waikato Heads, and tho settlements along the river, who are on their way to take part in the forthcoming great meeting in Hauhau land, and we had a chance of noticing a few of the customs and ceremonies, which may almost be regarded as relics of the good old times. For some days previous our local natives had exhibited an unusual amount of exciteaient, collecting large quantities of firewood, food, etc., and buying new garments to appear in. Ouj Sunday about noon, all our available natives young and old, were gathered' upon the river banks, and it was a sight well worth seeing. The four lar^e war canoes, completely filled with people, and carry, ing tall waving plumes on bow and stern, advancing abreast up the river, the paddles keeping admirable time to a chant, and our natives humming along the banks, waving and shouting welcome. The canoes drew alongside in their proper rank, the largest one, belonging to Te Wheoro, who was on board, being highest up stream. ., The work of discharging cargo did not occupy many minutes, and the new arrivals were soon distributed over WhataWhata, some in the bush cutting poles to build with, others carrying them, and in less than an hour, comfortable little houses with canvas roof were erepted, and all arrangements complete, for having a jolly time of it. Now came the moso important part, the feast, as I said there was lots of ki, and the way in which roasted pigs, scores of loaves, and I had almost written tons, of potatoes vanished, was something not often seen, and it afforded ample proof whatever the politics of our friends may be, their appetites are all right. The costumes of some of the new arrivals were most amus'ng, some of them when seated in the canoes, seemed to have left their wardrobe and its contents behind ; but soon after they. . appeared in full dress, which consisted of a sack with a hole for head and arms. But the dress, or undress, of our guests were too numerous to mention. In the evening dancing oommenced on the village green to the music of a concertina and the light of a candle. A large ring was formed, and perfect order prevailed, as it generally does in Maori gatherings. At half-past nine Te Wheoro gave the signal, and all dispersed to their tents. This may not be the orthodox way of spending a Sabbath evening, but is certainly far better than drinking in a public house (as a similar number of our own colour would be apt to do,) or playing cards for money. Early on Monday morning, the little town was struck, and the natives departed, taking nearly all our own with, them \ and, probably the same scenes will be repeated at the next settlement higher up the river. The principal drawback to tit's lavish system of hospitality is, that the crops which would otherwise keep them throughout the year, arp consumed, in two or three of these meetings, and (ho tribe are, during tho winter months often on the very verge of starvation, but such is, and always has been maori life. — E. 0. S.