PRESENT FROM THE MAORIS.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 115, 16 May 1924, Page 7

PRESENT FROM THE MAORIS.

ADDRESS AND A MAT. ADMIRAL FIELD VERY PLEASED. There was an uncommonly interesting little ceremony this morning on board the Hood, when a deputation of represen-1 tative Maori men and women was introduced by his Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson) and Dr. Buck. The Mayor has on all occasions shown himself only too pleased to show his interest in our native friends, and this kindly consideration is much appreciated by them. The little party was shown into the Admiral's cabin, and there he was presented with a very eloquently worded address and a beautiful Maori mat. Dr. Buck made one of those very fine poetically worded speeches for which he is noted, and others of the party also joined in telling the --admiral of the great admiration that the Maoris had for him and his braves of the sea. The address, after referring in the accustomed picturesque and florid Maori preamble, including a quotation from | that singularly appropriate song "Toia I mai tc wake" ("Haul hither the canoe!"), went on to speak of the unity of the two races, and concluded: "Again welcome and farewell! Convey to His Most Excellent Majesty King George V. and the people of Great Britain our renewed expressions of loyalty and confidence in the British Crown and Constitution." The address was signed on behalf' of the Kgatiawhatua and Ngapuhi tribes directly, and on behalf of the whole of the Maori people indirectly. : Admiral Field expressed' hie deep thanks for this quite unexpected attention from his Maori friends, and assured them he would always treasure their • beautifully-worded address and -their very handsome mat. When he got back to Great Britain he would have the greateet satisfaction in conveying to His Majesty the King the loyal message of the Maoris.