The Hui Topu

Thousands of Maoris, from all parts of the North Island, assembled at Manutuke last week for the Anglican hui topu which opened in rain but for the most part was conducted in beautiful autumn weather. The visitors were housed in enormous marquees on the Manutuke marae and elsewhere throughout the district.

The hui topu began on Wednesday and concluded on Sunday. Distinguished visitors included the Minister for Maori Affairs, Mr J. R. Hanan, the Archbishop of New Zealand and Bishop of Waiapu, the Most Rev. N. A. Lesser, and the Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt. Rev. W. N. Panapa.

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Welcoming the guests in traditional Maori fashion is the former commanding officer of the Maori Battalion, Lieut-Col. A. Awatere, who followed the welcome of chief Te Kani Te Ua, who is seated behind Mr Awatere.

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Archbishop Lesser acknowledging the welcome on the marae.

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Bishop Panapa speaking at the welcome. Included in the official party, seated, are Canon M. Cameron, Mr Kwan Than, secretary of the East Asian Christian Conference, Archbishop and Mrs Lesser, and Archdeacon A. R. H. Morris, vicar of Tolaga Bay and formerly vicar of Gisborne.

Feeding the multitudes at the conference was a major undertaking, which was handled with credit by a large body of tireless workers. It took a truckload of potatoes to cater for each meal.

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Scenes in the enormous dining marquee.

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The official table at Saturday's dinner, when Mr Hanan was one of the guests.