Maori Greeting, Thai Reply

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29908, 23 August 1962, Page 14

Maori Greeting, Thai Reply

< New Zealand Press Association

AUCKLAND. Aug. 22. The Mayor of Auckland (Mr D. M. Robinson) greeted King Bhumibol of Thailand in Maori at a civic reception in Auckland tonight and the King responded by speaking in the Thai language. “Haeremai, haeremai, haeremai," said Mr Robinson, pronouncing the traditional Maori greeting. The King, when he rose to reply, spoke for nearly a minute in his own tongue Then, acting as his own interpreter, he said: "I have told you in Thai that 1 thank you for your very wonderful reception."

His Majesty wore orders and decorations with his evening dress. Queen Sirikit looked stunning in an anklelength Thai style gown in flame shade

“Now we see the hospiV ‘7. °* ,his B rea t City of Auckland, we feel at home." King Bhumibol said. “We

have the same tradition of hospitality in my country.” His Majesty said that 700 years ago, a Thai king advised his people to welcome with full honour any stranger be he friend or foe—the friend would become friendlier and the foe might become a friend. "I hope you will find we are friends and better friends.”

Speaking in an informal manner. His Majesty continued: "This city of Auckland is very beautiful—they say (laughter). "For myself, I have only heard of its beauty. When we got in tonight it was dark.

"Our visit here is unfortunately very short—2ol hours only. For that reason his Worship has greeted us and said farewell to us also “We come on a mission. We bring the greetings of our people, almost 27 million of them. We wish you al] success. prosperity, good health and everything you want.”

Greeting the Royal couple. Mr Robinson said: “We rejoice in our privilege of welcoming to our city a King and his Queen splendidly equipped by birth, by training. by culture and by tradition for their high office We are honoured by your presence here because we know from what we have learned about your gracious Majesties that we are greeting friends " Lime-green orchids formed a central cluster in a basket of flowers presented to Queen Sirikit by the Mayoress. Mrs Robinson.

Mr Robinson presented King Bhumibol with a pair of highly-polished greenstone book-ends, each with the city coat of arms surmounted in gold and enamel, and bearing the date. Weighing about 4ib each, they were contained in a handsome mahogany case. 1 Queen Sirikit was presented with a gold filigree chain bracelet inset with five semicircular pieces of greenstone.