Golden Jubilee of Old Maori Parliament

Te Ao Hou, December 1967, Page 40

Golden Jubilee of Old Maori Parliament On Saturday, 16 September, 1967, the old historical marae of Rukumoana, near Morrinsville, was alive with activity as men busied themselves preparing hangis, women prepared vegetables and cultural groups rehearsed items in readiness to welcome their Maori Queen Te Ata-i-Rangi-Kaahu and other official guests. The occasion was the Golden Jubilee of the opening of the old Maori Parliament known to older generations of Maoridom as the Kauwhanganui, and the 50th anniversary of the unveiling of the memorial stone of King Mahuta which stands majestically in the foreground of the Kauwhanganui. This was indeed a display of Maori-Pakeha unity, led by Queen Te Ata-i-Rangi-Kaahu and the Tumuaki of the Maori King Movement. Te Waharoa Tarapipipi Tamehana. Also present were the representative of the Piako County Council, Mr D. J. Thomas, the Mayor and Mayoress of Morrinsville, Mr and Mrs M. R. Wightman, and the Mayor of Hamilton and Chancellor of the Waikato University, Dr D. Rogers. The Government was represented by Mr J. F. Luxton, M.P. for Piako and Mrs Luxton, while the opposition was represented by Mr P. B. Reweti, M.P. for Eastern Maori, and Mrs Reweti. During the memorial service in which clergymen from many denominations took

part, a wreath was placed at the base of the King Mahuta memorial by Mr Luxton. The sermon was preached by Mr H. Thompson of Ngatira. Following this service, the Queen led the gathering into the Throne Room of the Kauwhanganui where further prayers were said. Visitors were then invited to view the valuable and indeed most interesting documents on display. Photos of members of the Maori legislature, long since departed, adorned the walls of the Throne Room, while the Throne itself was indeed a magnificent display of Maori skill. A prominent feature of the display of documents was the masterly handwriting of accomplished penmen. Official guests were entertained by a local group who sang songs composed, appropriately, by Mrs Alice Whauwhau of Ngati Haua, especially for the occasion; also assisting in the entertainment was a group from Temple View. A collection of Maori waiatas, also composed for the occasion by Mrs Kiri Neha, were sung by the hosts. The celebrations were brought to a close with everyone taking part in a traditional Maori feast of hangi pork and all those delicious things that go with it.