VISIT OF THE PRINCE. (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)
(FROM If my last I informed you that we were to leave in the ' Luna' for Maketu at midnight on the 13th. Our departure from Tauranga was very quietly managed, and we arrived off Maketu at about 3 o'clock in the morning. The baggage and provisions were landed, and sent on to Ohinemutu on packhorsea. The Prince, the Governor, and the remainder of the party, whose names I have already given, landed at 9 a.m., and were enthusiastically received by Europeans and Maoris, A triumphal arch had been erected in honour of the occasion ; and an escort of mounted men of the Armed Constab'ilary, under Captain Gilbert Mair, were in readiness to receive the party. The transport arrangements were under LieutenautHay,New Zealand Militia. The party arrived at Taheki, Lake Rotoiti,at 12.30 p.m., where an excellent luncheon was provided at the Duke of Kdinburgh Restaurant, of which Mr.Bennetb is the proprietor- The party left this place at 2.30 p.m., arriving at Ohinemutu at 4.30 p.m., and a camp was pitched upon the hill above the Maori village. The Native Contingent, from Kaiteriria. furnished an efficient guard,under the command of Captain Gascoigne. The Maoris along the line of route displayed the greatest enthusiasm. On Thursday (15th) we staited at 10 a.m. for Lake I arawera, visiting the Hot Springs at Whakarewavewa en route. We reached the residence of the Rev. Mr. Spencer, a missionary of many years' knowledge of the wants and requirements <>f the district, at 43U p.m. a. vc»y picturesque haka was performed by firelight aibci i\iimei, ani Te Kepa aud other chiefs presented taiahas and a mere to his Royal Highness. His Royal Highness was the guest of Mr.Spencer for the night. The remainder of the party stayed at the accommodation house. A guard was furnished for the occcision from Kaiteriria. On Friday, the 16fch, the I party proceeded in canoes in Rolomahana, his Royal Highness and his Excellency the Governor being conveyed in a long canoe, at which a red ensign was displayed. The remainder of the party were iiistributed in some eight ov nine Cannes. As it came on to blow the canoes were compelled to take shelter in Hawaii-i B,iy until noon, and during their stay the party amused themselves by fishing for inar.ga and crayßsh. At len&jfch the wind slightly moderated, and the party proceeded across Lake Taraweva to Te Arilii, where some of the canoes wei'e nearly swamped. The party then walked across to Rotoraahana, still being accompanied with the guard from Kaiteiiria. We visited the terraces of Te Terafca, and several of the party bathed, and afterwards we proceeded to the mud springs of Rotokanapa. From hence the party went across Rotomahana in canoes to the terraces of OLukapuvangi, where the camp was pitched. A very picturesque haka was performed after dinner while the party was bathing. On the Saturday the party left in canoes at the early hour of seven a.m., and returned to Mr. Spencer's. The wind was still blowing stiffly, and several of the canoas were nearly capsized. The 18th being the Sabbatb, we attended divine service, which was performed partly in English and partly in Maori by the Rev. S. Spencer. Th service was held in the opening on the shore of Lake Rntomahana. Mr. Spencer preached an excellent serm n from the 18fch chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, b'fch verse. His Royal Highness, the Governor, the retiuue, and about 100 Maoris were present. In the afternoon his Royal Highness visited the pa adjacent, and which contains many features of interest. On Monday (yesterday) the party left Ohmemiitu, arriving at Taheki at about 11 a.m. ; after lunch we resumed our journey, returning to MnkeUi at 530p m. We were received with a hearty welcome, a haka being performed by the Aravvas. Hia Royal Highness and the Governor visited the pa, where they saw the chief Te Warn and about 40 other prisoners, who recently surrendered to Captain Preece at Fort Galatea. The ' Luna ' proceeded to sea at 11 a.m., and reached Auckland to-day (the 20th). His Royal Highness was good enough to express himself as being delighted with this most interesting trip. While in camp his Royal Highness always wore a, shawl k la Maori, like a kilt. The Arawas, having b-en the first to adopt this costume, are greatly delighted at the compliment thus paid them.
VISIT OF THE PRINCE. (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)
Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 4168, 22 December 1870, Page 2
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