Polynesians In
p. 11 · Read in the full issue
Sydney
Powhiri for Lord Beauchamp
THE Polynesian community of Sydney, -*■ assisted by Mr. Eric Ramsden as organiser and director, presented a Powhiri (welcome) in honour of the Earl of Beauchamp, one evening in December.
The function took place at the Potts Point studio of Mrs. Carrie Tennant Kelly, of the Department of Anthropology, University of Sydney; and other scientists present included Dr. Elkin (Professor of Anthropology), Professor Vonwiller, and Mr. Pierre Ledoux, of Harvard University, who since has left for the Sepik area, New Guinea.
Lord Beauchamp was delighted with the entertainment provided, which in cluded many of the songs and dances of Old Polynesia. The players, who wore native costumes, included Mrs. Waikianga Tipene, chieftainess of the Ngapuhi tribe, New Zealand, and a niece of the late Mr. Hone Heke, M.P. (who presented the address of welcome); Mrs. Alfred Page, formerly Miss Olga Saffings, of Samoa and Tonga (who presented the ceremonial lei ); Mrs. Jack Gaffney, formerly Miss Viti Peterson, of Samoa and Fiji; Mr.
William Bishop, Wiremu Pihopa, a mem ber of the Waikato tribe, which enter tained Lord Beauchamp many years ago when, as Governor of New South Wales, he visited New Zealand; Nurse Mary Missen, daughter of a well-known resi dent of Rotuma. The musical programme was arranged by Mr. Leonard Moran.
Lord Beauchamp very warmly thanked the Polynesians for their Powhiri, and especially complimented Mr. Ramsden on his happy thought in arranging the function.
A Polynesian Club is. to be formed in Sydney, of which Mr. Moran will be the first president.