AN INTERESTING PORTRAIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2142, 26 July 1907, Page 1

AN INTERESTING PORTRAIT.

NATIVE REMINISCENCES. An interesting little ceremony took place at the Native Land Court yesterday, when the native assessor, Hapi Kinilia, unveiled the portrait of the late Sir Donald McLean, Iv.C.M.G., who was the first Secretary for Native Affairs in New Zealand. The portrait had formerly beer, hung in the old Magistrate’s Court-room (now occupied by the Deeds and Stamp Department), but on removal to the Supreme Court it was stored away. It has recently been brought to light again, handsomely refrained, and now, with the consent of the S.M., is hung as a fitting memento in the Native Land Court. The esteem in which the deceased statesman was held whilst in office for his tact, diplomacy, zeal and faithfulness are spoken of in current historical publications. He possessed many excellent qualities and exercised a great influence over the native race. Addressing the natives assembled in the Courthouse, Hapi referred to the good work accomplished by Sir Donald McLean and the benefits he hi 1 bestowed on the native race.

The speaker went on to relate that when Sir Donald first visited Poverty Bav it was to ask To Kane-o-Takiron, who was then the principal chief, to band over somo lands in this district. The chief replied, “I will not give you the land, but I will give you this as a token of my friendship,” at the same time handing him a beautiful horse, known among the natives as Tokorakau. Seeing it was useless to persist in his request at that time. Sir .Donald waited patiently, and some time later tho chiefs handed over to the Government —-that is sold it to Sir Donald —tho site upon.which Gisborne now stands.*'"Most of those who bad lived then and know Sir Donald were now dead, and tho portrait would bo valued as a link connecting the present with the past. Other natives also spoke in suitable terms. A phase touched upon was Sir Donald McLean’s magnanimity in returning—after proper punishment. had been meted out and peace proclaimed—the lands of .natives who had taken up arms against the Government. To Mil, of Wairoa, expressed his views in felicitous native fashion. Although Sir Donald was a stranger to his eye his heart embraced him as a close friend, as from tho elders down the name had always been mentioned with reverence and regard.