MAORI RECEPTION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 254, 24 July 1944, Page 4

MAORI RECEPTION

Visiting M.P.’s At Rotorua

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 23. Though heavy rain today marred the brief sojourn of Dr. E'iith Summerskill and Mr. .1. Harris, of the visiting Parliamentary delegation, in Rotorua, n reception and concert at the W’haka meet-ing-house last night enabled them to gain an impression of .Maori life and customs. The visitors, accompanied by the Minister of Health, Mr. Nordmeyer, arrived at 3.-15 p.m. yesterday by air from ChrisP-hureh. They were welcomed by lhe mayor, .Mr. !'• A. Kusabs, Mi’. G. I' 1 . Sim, M.l’.. aud Mr. A. Kean, of the Infernal Affairs Department. There was a large assembly of servicemen and civd-i.-ins at Whaka in the evening, when tlie visitors were received with traditional ceremony. The Rev. Mr. M.-mihera gave an address of welcome, and tt lengthy programme of songs and dances followed. The presentation of txyo carved touirn bowls to Dr. Suininerskill lUhi a piece of greenstone and a charm to Air. Harris was then made on behalf of the Native community. .-Accompanied bv Mr. and Airs. Nordmeyer and .Mr. Sim, Dr. Summerskdl tins morning visited the soldier*’ convalescent hospital. The party was received by the matron. Miss G. Watt, and the superintendent, Dr. M’. S. M’allis. Dr. Summerskill spoke to a number of servicemen and in Hie assembly hall, gave n short talk on Hie people of Britain. Befor<- taking her departure. Dr. Sununerskill met the V.A.’s in the library, and spoke to them on what members of the dclaelmu-ni wore doing iu the hospitals of London. Tlie lour concluded with visits to th? Air Force convalescent bosuiliil aioi Government suoalnrinm