A MAORI GIFT

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 70, 19 September 1936, Page 11

A MAORI GIFT

PRESENTED TO MR. SAVAGE

As a gift from the Ngati-Ruamata people, who are a sub-tribe of the Arawas in Rotorua, a fine carved walking stick, was presented, to the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, as Minister of Native Affairs, by Mn A. F. Moncur, member for Rotorua, and the Hon. Rangi Mawhete, M.L.C., yesterday. The head of the stick is carved to represent a tuatara lizard, and elaborate carvings of lizards are entwined round the stick, the whole symbolising a Maori tradition.

In expressing his thanks for the gift, Mr. Savage said the presentation had come as a complete surprise. He trusted that his thanks and appreciation for the handsome gift would be conveyed to the Ruamata people. He hoped in the near future to , visit. Rotorua, , when he would have an opportunity to extend his personal thanks and greetings. He desired to reiterate his love: for the Maori people, and said that no words of his could adequately express his feelings. In the meantime he would leave it to Mr. Moncur and Mr. Mawhete to convey to the donors his very best wishes and sincere thanks for their very fine gift.