CARDINAL MORAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2120, 20 February 1908, Page 2

CARDINAL MORAN.

MAORI RECEPTION AT ROTORUA

GREATEST ENTHUSIASM SINCE THE VISIT OF THE DUKE OF YORK. Press Association. ROTORUA, Fob. 19. Cardinal Moran .was accorded a magnificent reception at Tama to Kapua this morning by the natives. A largo number of Europeans were present, those not belonging to the Catholic Church being present by invitation. At 9.30 His Eminence, escorted by a bodyguard of some 500 Maori warriors, in full war paint, was received by ia large concourse of natives, who performed a dance of welcome, waving green bushes in their hands. All adjourned to the interior ot the big meeting house, where addresses were presented by the Catholics of the town, both European and Maoris. Speeches were made by the chiefs of the tribes, welcoming His Eminence—as one native said as “Eye of the Pope.” Great enthusiasm was displayed by the largo number of natives present. Cardinal Moran, on rising, was greeted with loud acclamations. He thanked all for their kind expressions of love and devotion. The Maoris were a noble, industrious race. His earnest prayer was that the race would be preserved for all time. He had great love for the Maori people, and he would continue so. At the conclusion of his remarks, a dozen girls danced an exhibition poi, which pleased His Eminence greatly. Archbishop Redwood, Bishop Gallagher, and Bishop O’Connor also spoke. Monsiguor O’Reilly and Dean Lightheart acted as interpreters. At-12.3,0 the function was brought to a close. It can be safely said that not since the visit of the Duke of York has such enthusiasm been displayed liv the natives. Among those present were Count Moriier. 'Mr Bii'ks (engineer in charge of the Tourist Department), and representatives of the various churches in town, and representatives of the various business places. Accompanying the addresses were framed local views. The European address was accompanied by a bird’seye view of Rotorua, surrounded with pictures of the Catholic Church, Rotorua, Dean Lightheart (parish priest), Convent School children, and the Sisters of St. Joseph. Accompanying the Maori address were pictures of Tama to Kapua, six Maori chiefs, Maori carvings, and a Maori cooking place.