Ancient Cook Is. Families United In Picturesque Wedding

From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga, June 22.

THURSDAY, June 3, saw marriage * festivities here on an unparalleled scale.

Princess Tapumanoanoa Tere Daisy, second and favourite daughter of son less Makea Nui Tinirau Ariki (Para mount Rarotongan Chief), was married to. Taupuruariki Cowan, Native Medical Practitioner and eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Cowan, of Ngatangiia.

The wedding thus reunited two of the Cook Islands’ oldest and most important families; the ancestors of both had been respectively occupants of the canoes of Karika and Tangiia, about A.D. 1250.

After the wedding ceremony in the L.M.S. church at Avarua, where the bride

was given away by her father, the guests, numbering over 600, were entertained at a wedding luncheon served in the Palace grounds. Speeches were made by Judge Ayson, Mr. Robert McKegg (managing director of the C.1.T.C.), who acted as best man, Rev. Cater, and others. Makea Nui Tinirau, referring to his daughter’s alliance, quoted the old native proverb that “the blood will always return to the blood,” as being exemplified by the mar riage which had just taken place.

Following luncheon, Maori friends and relations of both parties laid gifts at the feet of the newly-married pair. Over a hundred finely woven native mats and an equal number of taevaevaes, or hand made bed-quilts, were presented. Also on display in the Palace were presents

from European and other friends, a col lection which by its quality and quantity testified to the general popularity of the bride and bridegroom.

There were 10 charming bridesmaids in pink and blue organdie frocks, de signed by Princess Tere, who herself wore a gown of French lace over mag nolia satin. Her train was borne by two little bearers in lemon organdie.

During the reception at the Palace, Ringiao, “ king’s mouthpiece,” an nounced in stentorian voice that in accordance with immemorial custom the bride’s father had conferred on his daughter the title of Rangi Makea.

In the evening a ball and supper were given by Makea Nui Tinirau.