JAPANESE NAVAL VISITORS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 11

JAPANESE NAVAL VISITORS

IMPRESSIVE NATIVE WELCOME CEREMONY AT ROTORUA ■ • ■ I By Telegraph.—Press Association. Rotorua, August 3. Prince Takamatsu.’ 'Vice-Admiral Seizo Kobayashi, and 225 officers of the Japanese Naval Squadron arrived at Rotorua by a special train this afternoon. They were welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. J. -N. McLean, borough councillors, and a large gathering of citizens. Tlie bo, of the Rotorua High School formed a guard of honour. The Mayor referred to the happy relations existing between tlie Dominion and Japan,, and trusted that Hie good feeling in commercial relations would continue. The Admiral, in reply on behalf of the Prince, officers, and midshipmen of his Imperial Japanese Majesty's Squadron. expressed his deep thanks for the cordial manner in which they .had welcomed them to their town. He believed that Japan and Great Britain would always be found side by side. They had always found Great Britain to be on the side of justice and humanity. It was the- duty of every nation to do its utmost to put an end to war. He was proud of the fact that the Japanese Navy had been enabled to convoy the gallant troops of New Zealand to their destinations in the Great War. It had been simply a duty they owed to the allied nations. Referring to the new treaty promulgated between New Zealand and Japan, the Admiral said it might be mainly commercial, but lie hoped that its effects would be much broader, and result in fostering closer relations aud the good of both countries. With regard to- tlie sentiments expressed by the Mayor concerning the Pacific, lie was in complete accord. Their main aim in visiting New Zealand was to develop and cement the mutual goodfeeling which already existed between both countries. He hoped sincerely that their visit would contribute to that end. Every time any of his countrymen had visited New Zealand they had been most cordially welcomed,’ and especially in Rotorua.- lie was sure that when they were back in Japan they would look back upon their visit to Rotorua with most kindly remembrances.. (Applause.) Afterwards the party .were driven to the Grant! Hotel, and after lunch they motpred to Koutu, where a huge gathering of natives assembled to do their honour. Koutu is on the lakeside, two' miles out from Rotorua. There they met ' all the pomp and ceremony of the native race, and the wero (challenge) and pouwhiri greeting with waving branches, and with: chants. After' many complimentary speeches and 'felicitations Manahi Rangiriri then invited the Prince "to unlock the door, he being the first to. pass the threshhold amid much enthusiasm. Many handsome gifts were made to the Prince and the Admiral, these comprising mats,- tokatokas, and walking-sticks. The Admiral, on behalf of the visitors, presented an ancient bow and gauntlets in memory of old Japan, to Mr. Tai. Mitchell for the Arawas in grateful recognit ion of their courtesy. Afterwards the', visitors were taken to Whnkarewarewa and various nearby places of interest. In tlie evening a great Maori entertainment was staged at the Lyric Theatre, great enthusiasm prevailing.