UNIQUE LETTER.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16212, 15 May 1918, Page 8

UNIQUE LETTER.

MAORI WAR GIFT TO THE KING,

(from OUR own correspondent.)

LONDON, March 19. The Joint War Committee of the British Red Cross iSociety aucl the Order of iSt. John of Jerusalem have just received what will probably bo one of tiio most interesting guts tnat has reacfted tnem. It consists of a sum of money—9s ).d —wnich. was collected by certain Maori tribes in J\ew Zealand and sent by tnem to tho Jtluig with a letter. On receipt of tlie money tho King, after clue consideration, decided tnut it snould be given to tneiunds of tiie Red Cross, and it has now, accordingly, reacnod Headquarters in Pall Mall.

The letter which accompanied the gift is very interesting and original, "and the following translation is given: ~"Io bis Most Gracious Majesty Xing Georgo V.—We, tho undersigned, give you greetings. Under tho great pressure and strain and endurance of this great war we, your people in lliis far-away land, aro making every effort to keep our end up in supporting our brothers in this great, struggle. Here wo attach a bank draft for £282 9s Id, collected by your people to send to you to chstributo as you think fit in connexion with dealings in warfare. The following are the names of tho places which have contributed to this gift: Manakau, Oliau, Horowhenua, an d following arc the tribes concerned in contributing this gift—Ngatiraukawa, NgataweliiTiehi, Ngatitolcorohe, Matcnwa, Ngatikapu, and Ngatihuia. We further greet you with every good wish, and pray that God protect you and your people under the British flag. Remaining evor your loyal friends and & ts ._ Tainguakawa Tewaharua, Honoito Rannpiri, Rere Nekitini P S —On receiving this letter pleaso acknowledge and address to Honoito Rin-jom and Rere Nokitini, Levin, Wellington Province, New Zealand."