Otorohanga27th December 1902
Dear Mr. Mackay
Replying to your note of the 23rd instant re Maoris who
understand the tu-waewae or wardance, I have made inquiries amongst
the Natives here, and I do not think that we could produce more
than half-adozen, and they are scattered all over the district.
Ngatimaniapoto used to be noted for that kind of thing 25 or 30
years ago. That is, when they were living with Tawhiao at Te Kuiti,
but since they split away from the King party (in 1883) they have
"fallen off" in most of the old Maori tikangas such as dances ngori
kais, waiata's etc. I understand that when they were at Rotorua in
June last they had to take quite a "back seat", (as a bribe) in the
haka, and tuwaewae that were given there for the benefit of the
Duke.
The tribes that are at the present time acknowledged to be most
proficient are Ngatiporou, Ngatituwharetou (Taupo) and the Arawa.
Try what you can do amongst them. Gilbert Mair knows the Arawa well
and would I have no doubt assist you. Young Te Heuheu Tukino (at
present living at Kihikihi) is the head man of N. Tuwharetoa and
might take the matter up if you saw, or wrote to him.
Please excuse a longer letter as I am up to my eyes in work with
Maori elections matters - [] [] and D.R. [] claims for payment for
services.
Yours sincerely
George T Wilkinson
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