Death Of Mangaian Native

King

Prom Our Own Correspondent MANGAIA, February.

THE recent passing of the Ariki of Man gaia, King Mateke Trego, son of the famous King John of that line, has left a gap in local chieftainship that has yet to be filled. „ . .

The late king was noted for his genial and friendly disposition towards Euro peans, and his adherence, at the same

time, to the policy of “no leases,” which was laid down by King John. This has kept Mangaia independent over a very long period, and has also debarred such innovations as gassing sheds.

With the passing of King Mateke, a new era may arise, depending upon the disposition of his successor to regard such matters as essential to the welfare of the island. So far, no definite arrangements have been made for the succession, and the numerous claimants will have to satisfy the Island Council and the neopie before any individual is crowned in the late chieftain’s stead.

A peculiarity of this island is the custom of appointing a newly-chosen king; and his formal “crowning,” at a public Coronation, with a crown of “pupu”—shell-beads threaded over a wire frame. During tnis ceremony, the king wears the ancient Polynesian dress, a kiriau kilt and tapa coat, in lieu of everyday European clothing.

These very ancient garments appear from safekeeping only at coronations, and are of great value from the ethnologist’s point of view, as well as that of native dignitaries.

Hall-Wauchope

Wedding

A photograph taken after the re cent wedding, in Sydney, of Miss Pat Wauchope, to Mr. W. G. (Ben) Hall, of Madang. It shows the groom and his bride, Mrs. Wauchope and W. J. Wauchope, all of whom are well known in the Madang dis trict. Mr. Hall has bought a plan tation there from the estate of the late Mr. V. C, Johnstone.