The Maoris and Huia Onslow

Evening Star, Issue 8716, 7 January 1892, Page 3

The Maoris and Huia Onslow

A Palmerston paper of last month has the following :—" Oar readers will remember that in September last a very pleasant function was performed at Otaki, the infant son of His Excellency the Governor, who had been named Huia in compliment to the hnd of his birth, having on that occasion been formally presented to his tribe. The Maoris were naturally anxious to preserve somn memento of this unusual event, and intimated that wish to the Governor. Lord Onslow has accordingly sent to this tribe, through Sir Walter Buller, three handsomelyframed portraits of himself (in full uniform), of the Countess, and of the little boy Huia, which are to be hung in the Native meetinghouse at Otaki, 'Raukaw,' in commemoration of an event that will never be forgotten by those who had the privilege of witnessing it. Mr Hoani Taipua, M.H.R., who at present has charge of the piotures, ie, we believe, making arrangements for a forma! unveiling' as soon as the tribe can assemble for that purpose. In addition tv this public presentation, His Excellency has given to Mrs Heni Te Rei, who received the child from the hands of it nurse at the 'installation,' and to each of the five chiefs who made speeches on that occasion, a cabinet photo of Hui.i dressed in his Maori robes, his head decke--. cut in huia plumes, grasping in hia right hand Te Ranglhaeata's ancient greenstone kapeu (presented by Heni Te Rei), and looking every inch a chief. Ihe Countess of Onslow has added a graceful compliment by having the boy specially photographer, in the massive huia-skin cap, the beautiful ivory bills forming a peak, and forwarding a copy in that costume to (the sister of Parakaia Te Pouepa), the olu lady by whom the cap was made and pre sented. We venture to think that in day: to come theße photographs, which are sure to be carefully preserved, will possess more than ordinary historical interest."