THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19786, 26 November 1929, Page 11

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

FAREWELL CEREMONIES AT ROTORUA. (PEESS ASSOCIATION TXLXe&AM.) UOTORUA, November 25. Tiie people of Rotorua bade farewell to the Governor-General at Arawa Park with all the wealth of Maori ceremony. Some 3000 persons were picsent. The Mayor (Mr T. Jackson» cr. hehalf of the Pakeha population, spoke his farewell, stressing the great interest taken by his Excellency in the life of the Dominion. Presenting a handsome bound volume of views of the district and of Maori life, Mita Taupopoki, gloriously arrayed, spoke with eloquence and force on behalf of the Arawa people. He asked his Excellency to take back to their Majesties loyal expressions from the Maori race. One thing they would remember in his Excellency's administration —that they had given the Natives a Maori Bishop. Chief Maera followed in like vein. Bishop Bennett, on behalf of the Maori race, presented their Excellencies with a Kumete treasure box, containing two pieces of greenstone. A splendid exhibition of poi and haka was given by men and women. His Excellency in responding spoke of the happiness that residence in New Zealand had given them. It had been five vears of supreme happiness, and the day thev left New Zealand they would be breaking a connexion that was very dear to them. He praised the splendid loyalty of the people, and, addressing the Maoris, advised them never to forget their splendid traditions, their history, their poetry, and arts. He would like to dream of the future and see Maori people fulfilling high positions in the professions and the State. Great enthusiasm marked the ck)3ing scenes.