THE BRITISH TEAM

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 116, 19 May 1930, Page 7

THE BRITISH TEAM

GEEAT MAOEI WELCOME

TRIP UP THE WANGANUI

(By Telegraph.-r-Press Association.)

WANGANUI, 18th May

Members ot the British Rugby team, as guests of the Wanganui Union, were taken by river steamer to Parikino to-day, where they wore welcomed in true Maori fashion by Natives of the Wainuiarua ; Subunion.

The Wanganui River, a waterway rich ill Maori legend, v,-as of interest to the visitors, various historical aspects being pointed out en route by Alex. Takarangi, an ex-Wauganui representative. Braves,, stripped to the waist, and armed with manuka spears, welcomed the party on arrival at the pa. Eulogistic speeches were made and were interpreted by Mr. K. Tuhiwi, .Maori Advisory Board representative on the New Zealand Knfiby Union.

Mr. O. Vnkehiki, voicing the sentiments of the Maori people, not only of the Wangiuvui Kivev, but of New Zealand, said: "Welcome, ye men of the great British Isles who have come from afar and braved, the ocean. Be big, be strong, be courageous and fight. 1 am most happy in the fact that we Maori people still hold our sense of loyalty to the old flag. Your visit is a great honour, bestowed upon us because you come from His Majesty King George the Fifth, a grandson of the Great White Queen—the Queen of Peace, and all that was good in the British people, she who made it a condition of the Treaty of Waitangi that European and Maori should HVe in this country as one. Welcome, ye illustrious visitors from Britain —welcome!"

Dr. G. Adams, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, and . Mr. James Baxter, manager of the British'team, replied. '• THE KING AND THE TEAM. Mr. Baxter said: "Of all the people who constitute the ju'eat British Empire, the. most'loyal of the loyal are the Maoris. It is only right and proper you should be, because you are the most unique race in the world. Your origiu is lost in antiquity; no man knows from whence you came. You spoke of King George. It may interest you to know that if it had not been for his influence and interest many of the best members of-the team would have been unable to make the journey. When I return I will conve.v to His Majesty the news of your wonderful welcome."

In time-honoured Maori fashion Mr. Baxter, was made a rangitira and presented with a piu piu mat and his head was adorned with the green emblem of friendship and goodwill. ; In return Mr. Baxter pinned the lion rampant on the chief Tanginoa Tapa amid a scene of great enthusiasm. Mr. Baxter also received a carved pipe as an emblem of rangitiraship, presented by- Miss Pownall, a granddaughter of Mr. J. H. Burnet, chairman of the River Trust Board.

The captain of the team, F. D. Prentice, received a pin piu mat.at the hands of Miss Tangino Tapa. ■ • Acknowledging the gift, Prentice said lie served with the Maoris in the Great War and learned to know them as great lighters., Kow he knew them 'as splendid hosts. ■'..'.'

The team had a. run, and their snappy passing was an eye-opener. Great interest is being taken in- the opening match to be played on Wednes; day. The seating accommodation is becoming taxed .at this early stage.. The British team will be picked -tomorrow. .

General satisfaction is expressed here at the selection of Mr. H. J. M'Eenzie, of Wairarapa. as referee. . Ten of the team will play the Wanganui team at golf to-morrow afternoon.