MAORI WELCOME

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 219, 12 June 1930, Page 7

MAORI WELCOME

Governor at Wanganui

COLLEGES VISITED Dominion Special Service. Wanganui,. June 11. Although regret was expressed that the Maori welcome to Lord aud Lady Bledisloe could not be held in the historic Moutoa Gardens owing to the pouring rain, a welcome at the Drill Hall at noon was most enthusiastic. From'the roof hung a replica of the Moutoa Flag, and a haka of welcome greeted the distinguished visitors.

,Mrs. Toia Barnes and Mrs. Takarangi, junr., represented'Maori women and Canon Williams acted as interpreter. Presentations made to their Excellencies included gifts on behalf of the Wanganui tribes." Mrs. Toia Barnes presented her Excellency with a greenstone tiki. All the presentations were of historical interest. Addresses of welcome were spoken by Hori Pukehiki, Hori Takarangi, and Rama Whanarere. An address from the young Maori people was presented set in a carved frame representing entrance to a wharepuni. His Majesty’s Message.

“Before I left England,” said his Excellency, "his Majesty King George commanded me to wait upon him at his country home at Sandringham, and the last message he gave to me was a message to the Maoris of this Dominion. He said that he recognised, and always had, the continued and unswerving loyalty of the Maori race to himself and to the British Empire. His Majesty was delighted to know that, according to statistics, the number of the Maori race in New Zealand was now increasing, and he hoped that the earliest endeavour would be made by Maori and pakeha alike to preserve your beautiful language, your poetry, and your handicraft. Let me express my own sincere hope that the King’s wish in this respect may come to be fulfilled,, because it will help to retain your pride of race and keep your people together. Equality of Races. “Reference has been made,” continued his Excellency, “in your .eloquent language to the history of the Treaty of Waitangi, a treaty which safeguards your liberties—safeguards them not for to-day or to-morrow but for all time. They are liberties which no one would dare to encroach upon. Just.as this Dominion enjoys a status with other Dominions, so Maori and pakeha will always enjoy an equal status in this lovely and most patriotic Dominion. “In conclusion, let me express our pleasure, not only of meeting but also listening to your eminent chief. He is held in high esteem and respect by Maori and Pakeha alike. lam informed that he followed Major Kemp when he was chasing Te Kooti. He has an un-

rivalled knowledge of the Wanganui River, its tribes and their folk-lore. “I now say Taku arolia kia koe, my love to you all,” said Lord Bledisloe. 1 Piupius were presented and worn by their Excellencies as they left the hall to the accompaniment of a farewell haka. , i Visits to Schools. At the girls’ college Mr. David McFarlane, chairman of the Board of Governors, introduced the pupils of the college and the staff to their Excellencies. Miss Cruickshank, principal, thanked them for their visit. A beautiful bouquet was presented to her Excellency. His Excellency said he understood that many ,of the girls came . from country homes, and he assured them that they would find truer happiness and .more real pleasure in country life than in anything a city could offer; At Sacred Heart Convent Mr. Rogers introduced the sisters and pupils to their Excellencies, who were delighted with part songs sung by the pupils, two of whom presented a bouquet and a buttonhole to their visitors. His Excellency’s short address was listened to most attentively. . Lady Bledisloe at Hospital. Her Excellency, Lady Bledisloe, accompanied by. Sir John Hanham, A.D.C., the Mayor (Mr. W. J. Rogers), Mrs. G. Darbyshire (deputy-Mayoress), the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Miss Veitch and Mr. G. March (town clerk), paid a visit to Wanganui Hospital this morning. Her Excellency was met by Dr. Skerman (chairman of the hospital board), Dr. Wilson (medical superintendent), and Matron Myles. Others present included Mesdames J. Siddells and Taylor, Mr. T. James (architect), Mr. T. Battle, Mr. J. S. L. Deem (city engineer), Dr. Helen Deem, Drs. Christie, F. Hutchinson, A. H. E. Wall and G. H. Robertson.