Maori carnival at Lancaster Park, Christchurch
Maori carnival at Lancaster Park, Christchurch
[12 and 13 Nov. 1903]
"The Haka is used by the Maoris to serve many purposes. In former days it was usual to inflame the warlike passions of the warriors before going into battle, while in peace times it was often danced in compliment to visiting tribes. It is accompanied by a spirited chant in which the leader relates the reasons for which the haka is danced. As the members get worked up their feet strike the ground in unison, and the effect is very fine. The Maoris are masters of gesture, and although the European may not understand the words of the haka, he can easily comprehend its meaning from the gestures which accompany it. It can easily be understood that in the early days of the colony the haka given by, say, a thousand warriors was a very terrifying sight. Potango Waiatu, who is on the left, is in proper haka costume"
The carnival was held to raise funds to carry on the work of the Mahanui Maori Council
File Reference CCL-KPCD09-IMG0060
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