IMPROVEMENT ERA Vol. XXIV JULY, 1921 No. 9

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"Hui Tau By David O. McKay, of the Council of the Twelve

Oberammergau has its Passion Play; Salt Lake City, its great annual and its semi-annual conference; and New Zealand, its "Hui Tau." The first has awakened international interest; the second, inter-state; and the third, only inter-conference; yet in proportion to the people participating, the third serves a pur- pose of sufficient importance to give it rank among the signifi- cant gatherings of the world. The "Hui Tau" is the annual conference of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Colony of New Zealand. Unlike the other two notable gatherings named, it is not held successively at the same place; but be- fore the close of each conference, the district chosen for the succeeding one is named; thus giving the people so favored one year in which to prepare for this important event. Members and non-members co-operate in this preparation; for it is a recognized fact that the district in which the "Hui Tau" is held must bear most of the expense. Suitable grounds must be supplied; outbuildings erected; accommodations for a thousand visitors or more provided; and a sufficient number of women and girls found who will cook, wash dishes, and serve at tables where hungry hundreds will sit three times a day during the entire conference. Besides all this, a considerable sum of money must be forthcoming as well. Judging from the eager- ness shown by residents of different cities to secure the favored decision, these conditions are met without much difficulty.

A Tented Field At 3:30 p. m., Friday, April 22, 1921, President Hugh J. Cannon and I had our first introduction to a "Hui Tau." In

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company with President George S. Taylor, who, with several of his associates, had welcomed us at Wellington, a number of elders, and about eighty Maoris, we had alighted from the train at Huntly station, and were driven immediately by auto across the Waikato river to a little settlement "in the heart of Maori- land." As we neared our destination, we beheld, in an open field, on our right, two large tents, and a number of smaller ones, nestling around them. The same scene at home would

"Mormons" leaving Huntly, Hui Tau, 1921

have been proof sufficient that a three-ringed circus had come to town. And, truly, the tents seemed sufficiently large to house the entire menagerie and army of actors and acrobats that go with this world-wide form of entertainment. Hundreds of people were already assembled in the open space between us and the two largest tents; and what we saw and participated in during the next two hours contributed to make that day one of the most unique and interesting of this extensive tour. Sister Taylor, Miss Miriam, and others from the Mission House, had joined us. Brother Sid Christy had come bounding to extend greetings, and, fortunately for us, put us at our ease by timely suggestions and explanations. As our party began to walk slowly toward the assembled multitude, our ears were greeted by a shrill cry from a score of women's voices: "Haere Mai! Haere Mai!" and other terms of welcome, accompanied by such wild gesticulations, jumping, dancing, and grimacing that, had it not been for the assurances of Brother Christy, I should have thought we were about to be attacked instead of wel- comed. This welcome cry was followed by the "Haka" or war dance by a dozen men or more in front of the crowd, urged enticingly on by the dancing of two women, one at each end of the row

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of warriors. How they wriggled and writhed, rolled their eyes until only the whites were visible, lolled their tongues and made unsightly grimaces! I was fascinated; and yet worried because surely some acknowledgment must be made of this most demonstrative welcome.

A Maori Haka

However, when within a hundred yards of the dancing group, we were told to stand still. The representative of the "king" of the district, an uncle, we were informed, stepped for- ward, and flourishing a cane (mere) in his hand, and walking briskly forward and back, delivered an impassioned address of welcome. He was followed by the next man in rank, and he by several others, each expressing his joy and gratitude for the visit of those who had traveled so far to meet them. At this point we should have replied in true Maori fashion; but as the crowd were waiting to shake our hands, it was sug- gested by our hosts that they would "accept a 'Hongi' as a gracious reply." And so, beginning with the woman on our left, we clasped hands and pressed noses with the entire assembly Even during that first experience we learned that the "Hongi" varies in a degree and intensity as does our kiss, though perhaps not with the same significance. As we took our places in the seats provided for us, we saw entering the grounds a group of visiting Maoris, "Haere Mai! Haere Mai!" again cried the women! And again the gesticulating, dancing, and speech making. Then we saw the reciprocal performance. At the conclu-

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sion of the addresses as mentioned above, both sides remained silent,and all heads were bowed. Soon we heard moans, and we noticed that men and women were crying. It was not make- believe, either, for tears were flowing. This was the "Tangi" part of the welcome. They were expressing sympathy for those who had lost loved ones during the past year. Following this, the leading man among the visitors, flourishing his cane, re- sponded to the welcome, and told why they had come. He was followed by others, and then the group retired to give place for other groups to follow. Thus the home people welcomed the visitors all through the day!

Order and Discipline

The next morning, we received evidence, and each succeed- ing day confirmation, that the "Hui Tau" is a well disciplined organization. Every person on the grounds was expected to respond with promptness and dispatch to the following sig- nals: At 6:15 a. m. a clanging bell drove Morpheus to his sunless cave and bade his subjects get up! At 7 a. m. it called to "Karakia," or morning service; at 8 a. m. to "Kai," (breakfast) at 10 a. m. to "Karakia," or first ;

session of conference; 1 p. m. to "Kai," (lunch); 2 p. m. to "Karakia," second session of conference; 5 p. m. to "Kai," (din- ner) 6:30 p. m. to "Karakia," evening service; 7 p. m. to ;

"Karakia," evening session of conference.

"Rongo Poi," or Scripture Service Twice a day as intimated above, everybody excepting the women folk preparing the breakfast, assembled in the large tent and participated in devotional service, consisting of (1) singing, (2) prayer, (3) repeating in concert passages of scripture; and (4) questions and discussion. The quotations were selected from the Ready References, and chanted in unison. It was significant that only the older Maoris participated in this memory work, the younger ones who joined them read from the book. This is explained by the fact that when the gospel first came among the Maoris, very few could read, so they memorized what was taught them. The chant or song was given as an aid to memory. There were those present who can repeat every passage in the Ready References, under its appropriate subject. The meaning of the passages was made clear, and their applicability to the Latter-day work shown during the discussion that followed. It was plainly evident that the Maoris had assembled to learn more of the gospel of Christ, and not merely to be entertained.

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"Kai" Following the service, as many as could be seated at the first tables, answered the call to "Kai." Under a canopy, fully as large as that in which services were held, were arranged eight long tables each with a seating capacity of forty persons. Four well organized and thoroughly disciplined corps of women and girls furnished these tables and served the guests, each group taking charge of eighty people at every sitting. Each group, too, had its own boiler for cooking, its own tanks for dish washing, and its own cupboards for the dishes, and every plate, cup and saucer, knife, fork and spoon was ac- counted for. Boiled meat, potatoes, spinach, bread, butter, jam, and cheese, made the principal eatables; but cake, watermelons, and other fruit and delicacies were also served. Some of the meat and potatoes were prepared in the "H^angi," that is, cooked in a pit in the good old Maori fashion, except that chains were heated instead of rocks. And we must admit that meat thus cooked is far more tender and delicious than that boiled in the more modern manner. As the women peeled the potatoes, it seemed by the ton, or washed the dishes, literally by the hundred, they worked in unison to the rhythm of some song, hummed as gleefully as though they were having a Jubilee. Sometimes the young girls

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A section of the large tent that served as a combination auditorium ami community bedroom, Hui Tau, April, 1921

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having "finished the dishes" would wind up with a touch of the "Kopi Kopi" or "Hulu Hulu." How efficient this organization and how effectively it worked may be partly realized when I tell you that during the four and one half days of the "Hui Tau" approximately 10,000 meals were served ! And that, too, without any apparent extra- ordinary effort!

Sleeping Accommodations Some of the best homes in the district were given over en- tirely to the accommodation of the visitors, Elder Cannon and I each having a room and a bed as comfortable as one could wish. The fifty elders, however, did not fare so well. They slept on mats laid on straw on the floor of the Church. It was truly a community bedroom! But the greatest and most interesting sleeping apartment was the large assembly tent. Every four feet around its entire circumference constituted a bed room; and a similar double tier extended from the speaker's stand down the middle to the oppo- site end. Thus feet to feet hundreds of heads pointed toward the outside and hundreds of others toward the middle of the tent a passage way being left open all around this combination bed room and assembly hall; beds remained intact, and were sat upon or reclined upon during each service. For the convenience of those people who like to sleep in Church, I recommend this combination scheme most highly.

Entertainments While the religious purpose of the "Hui Tau" is evident on every hand, and gospel conversations and discussions are car- ried on with almost every group between meetings, there is no dearth of amusement and legitimate entertainment. Chief among these I think I shall name the "Poi Dance" as given on two different occasions by fifteen young Maori maidens dressed in native costume. Combining as it does, rhythm, beauty, grace and skill, the "Poi Dance" easily ranks among the most beauti- ful dances in the world. I have never seen any that excel it. If the"Poi" is the most beautiful, the "Haka" is the most thrilling! After seeing this native war dance, one can readily understand how the ancient warriors, aroused to the highest pitch of enthusiasm, if not frenzy, rushed so madly into battle, or stormed with bare hands and naked bodies almost impregnable "pas!" We were given a glimpse, too, of the "Koro Piho Pi" or "hula hula;" but one of the native brethren suggested that they

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"go slow on that;" and a "hint to the wise" was in this case "suf- ficient."

The Committee Too much credit cannot be given to the "Hui Tau" com- mittee, composed of all native men, who have so successfully managed these "Hui Taus" for many years. Brother William Duncan is chairman, and a more able, loyal Church worker than he is seldom found anywhere in the world He is a man among !

men, a worthy example of what "Mormonism" will do for those who will accept it and live it. He has been ably assisted by four others, equally worthy of commendation and esteem.

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A group of Maori stalwarts, Hui Tau, April 23-26, 1921 This year, the committee was enlarged by the addition of more members. Though each annual gathering costs between $2,500 and $3,000, the committee is free from debt and has a fair balance in the bank. Besides this, they have accumulated considerable property, such as tents, a dynamo, electrical appliances, stoves, etc., etc.

Electric lights illuminated the grounds and tents to the en- tire convenience and delight of all.

Inspirational Services

But the things mentioned above are only adjuncts to the principal features of this notable gathering! The glory of the "Hui Tau" is seen and felt in the twelve or fourteen worshipping

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assemblies, which, during the one recently held, culminated Tuesday forenoon in a wonderfully inspirational priesthood meeting. The earnestness, faith and devotion of the audience; the manifestation of the inspiration of the Lord upon the speak- ers, native as well as European, the excellent music, and the confidence, sympathy, and brotherly love that flowed from soul to soul, all combined to make every service a supreme joy.

Sisters and Elders, Hui Taxi, 1921

Not the least remarkable feature of this memorable event was the skill, the intelligence, the accuracy, and the inspiration with which Elder Stewart Meha interpreted the addresses of the visiting brethren. His interpretation was simply marvelous ! j

Truly he was remarkably blessed. The spirit, intelligence, and earnestness of the three score elders and lady missionaries were distinct contributions to the success of each session. No more devoted, self-sacrificing men and women can be found anywhere in the world. I could not help but think how proud and happy the parents and wives of those young men would be if they could have seen these mis- sionaries in the glory of their work as we met them! And what an uplifting influence these combined experiences have upon the people! Surely, if the New Zealand Government even but dimly realized the effectiveness of "Mormonism" in making not only good colonial citizens, but worthy citizens of the Kingdom of God, it would knock down the walls of preju- dice that now bar the way to the preaching of the gospel, and lend every assistance possible to the promulgating of this great- est of all regenerating forces in the world today! But none are so blind as they who will not see Success and long life to the "Hui Tau!" May each suc- ceeding one be more successful than the last! May its influ- ence extend* until it becomes a power not only to cement the