PRIME MINISTER’S TOUR

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 121, 16 February 1926, Page 4

PRIME MINISTER’S TOUR

A NATIVE WELCOME. By Telbgbaph.—PeEss Association Gisborne, February 15. The Prime Minister and his party reached Waiomatatini this afternoon. They were met on the marae in front of the meeting-house by about seventy representative Maoris of rank, including many grey-haired veterans. Speeches of welcome were dedivored, fallowed by the usttal native ceremonies. Mr. Ngata told the Prime Minister that the real official welcome would be given to-morrow on 'the other side of the river (meaning Tikitiki). Mr. Ngata said that the Tikitiki functions would most likely be the last great hui on the East Coast. He congratulated the Prime Minister on his great election victory and asked him to give a lead on all native matters. “The pakelia.” he said, “has aspirations, but aspirations just as important are held by the Maori.” Mr. Coates, in reply, regretted that the great East Coast Rnngatira, Paratone Ngata, had not lived to be present at the great ceremonies to lie held next day. Still, Paratene Ngata had left in his son, the Hon. A. T. Ngata. one who continued to preach the best ideals Those ideals should 'be brought into practise. Both Sir Maui Pomare and liinself realised that, the best interests of the country could not be served unless the best interests of the Maori were taken info consideration. Inter in the day returned soldiers met. the Prime Minister at Matahiin, the of Mr. K. S. Williams, were introduced to the Governor-General and subsequently discussed with the Prime Minister difficulties besetting the soldier settlers of the district.