Pte. Kina Arena Te Awa

Takahiwai Northern Advocate 22 September

A Māori wedding

On Monday 15th the marriage was solemnised between Kina Arena Te Awa, of Kaikohe, and Jane Hakaraia, of Takahiwai, the officiating minister being Elder A. L. Elledge, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The gathering was large, and included a number of Pākehā. All the proceedings were conducted in a proper and pleasing manner. The bridesmaid was Missy Maki, and the best man, Mare Tare. The bride wore a dress of white pique and the simplicity of style added to rather than detracted from its charm. Ngawati Pirihi gave the bride away. During the service Elder Elledge endeavoured to impress upon the natives the importance of being legally joined together, and stated that the elders of the church lie represented were always willing to perform the ceremony entirely free of cost. At the conclusion of the service everyone present shook hands with the newly-married couple, and the waitresses proceeded to arrange and set the tables down the centre of the hall. Those who prepared the wedding breakfast deserved great credit. The food was cooked in the native way and was very tasty. The tables were well stocked with cakes and other delicacies. The bridal party was seated at a table placed at right angles to the others, and which was set very pleasingly, in the centre being a very pretty wedding cake. A well-attended dance was held at night; songs were sung between the dances, and the native children, who sang a number of their school songs, received hearty applause. Supper was served about midnight. The married couple will shortly take up their residence at the Dominion Cement Works, where the bridegroom is employed.