THE RETURNING MAORI.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 146, 21 June 1901, Page 2

THE RETURNING MAORI.

Between 000 and 700 Maoris, who have been a;tending the b.g gather, ing at Hotorua, arrived^ in town from Botorua- by train last night. Thej comprise members of the Whangamil, Ngatiraukawa (Wellington provinc:). and Ngatiporou (East Cape), and k ?Bdred°tribes. Mr A. T. Ngata, Tuta ruhonibO, and other chiefs came down with the party. Many of the East Coast natives will leave here for Gisborne, Napier, and Way ports W the s.s. Moura to-morrow, while tne Whanganui and Ngatiraukawa meu will go down via New Plymouth by steamer and train. # At ten o'clock this morning the Ngapuhi and other Northern natives, numbering about 350, left for their homes in the Bay of Islands, Wharigaroa, and Mangonui districts by the s.s. Clansman, which steamer made a special trip for the purpose. They were loudly farewelled by their native friends who remained in town, and the departing people cheered as their steamer left the wharf.

In regard vto the proposed Maori display in the Domain, which had to be abandoned ou account of the shipping arrangements ,<he Premier telegraphed to the Koyal Reception Commissioners last evening as follows: — "I am sorry that the shipping companies have acted as they have in respect to the Maoris. 1 think they might have met the Commissioners and the Government, and shall think so. 1 am writing to the Union Steamship Company and the Northern Steamship Co. respecting the matter."

About 300 Whanganui and other West Coast natives went out to Onehunga this morning to catch fheir steamer for New Plymouth, but owing to the westerly gale blowing the steamer could not leave the Manukau, and the people were therefore detained, and came back to town.

A considerable number o:c the East Coast natives, and also some of the Whanganui people, will not leave town for two or three days yet.

There is much favourable comment on the excellent manner in whieb the natives conducted their camp and the capacity for self-government therein displayed. Special mention must be made of Waata Wiremu Hipango (Chairman of the whole of the camp committees) and George Pukehika, both of Whanganui,-who worked well and most energetically all through for the good of their people.