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Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 64, 18 March 1925, Page 6

A meeting of the Arawa tribe at iama-te-Kapua on Monday night considered a letter from Mr. X Stewart repudiating the statements alleged to have been made by American visitors, and the lollowing resolution was carried: "That this -meeting, expresses its pleasure at receiving a letter from Mr. C. E. Stewart, of the American visiting party, disclaiming any inteutic%, implied or expressed, of insulting the Maori race " The interview is alleged to have taken place, and the words said to have- been spoken, as published in the "Auckland Star" of 18th February, Mr. Stewart entirely repudiates the words, both on behalf of himself and party. The Arawa, spokesmen at the meeting, says a Press Association message from Rot.orua, were .emphatic in stating that they had never .believed that the statements attributed ta the American visitors were true, but were a. pure invention. No Native of the Arawa tribe would make such accusations .against the Government as those put into the mouths of the American guests. The tribal leaders did not consider the original accusation worthy either of notice or credence, but unfortunate publicity was given to the matter, which forced their attention upon it and compelled a. denial in the interest of the whole Maori race.