MAORI WELCOME

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 44, 20 August 1925, Page 5

MAORI WELCOME

PRESS DELEGATES AT ROTORUA

ARAWAS MAKE BIG DEMONSTRATION.

(BI TELEGRAPH.—FBB3S iSSOOUTIOS.) RGTORUA, 19th August. Mita Taupopoki, resplendent in a feather mat and headdress, welcomed the Empire Press Union delegates during the reception by the Arawas at the model pa. In a stirring and eloquent speech, he voiced the loyalty of the Arawa* to King and Country, and trusted that what they saw that day would be told to the world. Kehari, a chief, followed by welcoming the chiefs of the Press who controlled the news of the world, Naira also voiced the same loyal sentiments and pleasure in greeting so distinguished a gathering of pressmen, who spoke to the whole world. He trusted that their' report would do justice to the Arawa*. During the speeches frequent applause from the visitors testified their interest. Sir Frank Newnes, replying on behalf of the British Press, thanked the speakers for all the fine things they had said when welcoming them to their place. They had come 15,000 miles to visit them, and on the way saw the island where their Maori ancestors came from. In their travels they had seen nothing bo interesting as that which they saw in Rotorua. The speaker thanked them for their magnificent entertainment at the King's Theatre the night before. The Maori speakers at the reception of the American Fleet had said : "That they loved the Empire because it ruled with truth, justice, and honour." He thanked them for that phrase. They had journeyed to Australia to consider questions of making that Empire yet more glorious and helpful. In writing to their papers they would bs able to say that they had met no people more loyal than the Arawas. Mr. J. H. Woods, of. Canada, said he came from a sister Dominion, and he thanked them for their music which was so full of melody, for the grace of their young women. in the dance, their mcii for their manly prowess, and all for their welcome. The speaker had heard that the Maori was hospitable to strangers, loyal to the King, and to one another. These were qualities on which the Empire was built. (Applause.) The Maori race would always have their true affection, and through them the world would know what hospitable people they were. On behalf of Canada and his colleagues he saluted them and wished them well. (Great demonstration of applause.) During the afternoon the delegates devoted their time to sport and sightseeing. Sir F. Newnes, Major and Lady Astor, Messrs. H. Smiles, E. Woodhead, and others were the guests of the Rotorua Golf Club, and played with club,members. ' The tennis courts were also freely availed of. Sir H. Brittain, Sir E. Ilifre, and Mr. John Bassett led the tennis division, the ladies of the party also participating. The baths were visited and independent parties made excursions into the forest, reserves and nurseries. All were deeply impressed with the national forestry •movement, its development, and initial experiences. Sir George Fenwick states that the whole party are deeply conscious of the magnificent opportunities the Dominion affords for settlement, and the wonderful resources_ of the country. The 1 ress delegation are a' happy harmonious party, keenly receptive' and sympathetic, and bring-drained minds to the observation of all things. The party will leave at 9 a.m. to-mor-row for the Wairakei district.