THE MAORI WELCOME.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 49, 28 February 1927, Page 10

THE MAORI WELCOME.

magnificent rotorua display. tribes assembled in arawa parr. DUCHESS NAMED KAHURANGI—"THE RARE AND BEAUTIFUL." One of the greatest spectacles the Duke and Duchess of York have witnessed since leaving England on their Empire tour was provided at Arawa Park, Rotorua, this morning, when nearly three thousand Maoris took part in a great powhiri. The Royal visitors were delighted with the warmth of the native welcome. The Duke and Duchess, before the display, were invested with mats, signifying their princely rank, and the Duchess received the name of Kahurangi, "something rare and beautiful." Later the Duke and Duchess left for the fishing camp at Tokaanu, where they will remain till midday on Wednesday. Scenes of the greatest enthusiasm marked the arrival of the Royal train at Rotorua on Saturday. A great crowd was assembled outside the station, and Their Royal Highnesses were received with resounding cheers. Twenty-five high chieftains of the Maori race were among those presented to the Duke and Duchess. An address of welcome was read by the Mayor of Rotorua. and the Duchess was presented with a spray of flowers, the gift of a five-year-old girl. After the Royal guests had driven to the Grand Hotel hundreds of people remained in the street outside till the Duke and Duchess appeared on the verandah outside their apartments and waved salutations.