PEOPLE OF N.Z.

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 8, 9 July 1935, Page 9

PEOPLE OF N.Z.

RECEPTION TO MAORIS

SYDNEY, July 8.

Prior to their departure for Queensland tonight, the Maoris practised at the Cricket Ground. They were also received by Alderman McMahon on behalf of the Lord Mayor, who was indisposed. Alderman -McMahon's remarks of welcome were supported by Alderman Marks. Mr. Kingi Tahiwi, Mr. W. J. Wallace, and Mr. G. Nepia replied. Alderman McMahon, in receiving the visitors, mentioned that he had played against the first New Zealand team to visit Australia in 1889. Alderman Marks referred to the performances of previous Maori teams, remarking that they always played clean and fast football. • Mr. D. Maughan, representing the Great Public Schools' Association, said that New Zealand was a great asset to the, finest game played in the British Empire.- He added: "I think the New Zealanders are the cream of the earth." FOOTBALL FRATERNITY. Mir. Tahiwi said that the Maoris regarded football as the greatest fraternity of friendship that ever existed. "In the Rugby Union," he said, "we see the opportunity of developing the trinity in every man—his physical, intellectual, and spiritual sides—and this attitude towards .sport is developed in our secondary schools, which are the life-blood of the Rugby Union game in New Zealand. These boys are representing -not only the Maori race, but the people of New Zealand. Thanks to the wonderful stimulus of Western civilisation, the Maori is practically on the same basis as the European, and I can forecast that the social subtleties which are now expected will be understood by the Maori people in two or three generations. I am sure that these football tours serve to cement the already staunch friendship between1 Australia and New Zealand, and I am certain that whatever may happen in this part of the Pacific Ocean New Zealand and Australia will stand shoulder to shoulder."

Mr. L. J. Schmitt, New Zealand Trade Commissioner, moved a vote of thanks to Alderman McMahon, and the team gave a powerful demonstration haka.

, Great interest was taken in Mr. Tahiwi's references to the happy relationship between the Maoris and Europeans in New Zealand.

No decision has yet been made as to whether the Maoris will play at Bathurst or Newcastle, or both centres. The' matter has been left in the hands of the co-managers.