WIDE INTEREST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 29, 3 February 1934, Page 11

WIDE INTEREST.

PRIME MINISTER'S COMMENT. APPRECIATION OP MAORIS. "Very great interest is being taken in the Waitangi celebration," said - the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Fprbes, on his arrival from Wellington this morning. "The generous gift of his Excellency the Governor-General has focused attention on a subject of great historical importance, "which had been more or less overlooked in the past. The gathering now being held is to show the appreciation of the Maori people of what his Excellency has done. It will also prove valuable in making the people of New Zealand realise the historical importance of the signing of the Treaty. One is agreeably surprised to see such a great interest evidenced through the Dominion, and it will be a means of preserving the good spirit which has always existed between the pakeha and the Maori. This spirit of friendliness between the two races has often been commented upon by visitors from other countries, people being quick to see the manner in which the two races have settled down side by side in an endeavour to work, out a common destiny. > "The Government realises the importance of the celebration," said Mr. Forbes. "It is evidenced by the fact that almost-every member of the Ministry will be in attendance, with most of the members of Parliament."