AMONG THE MAORIS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 183, 22 July 1926, Page 7

AMONG THE MAORIS.

LADY DALRYMPLE VISITS

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE EOR DISTINGUISHED VISITOR.

Lady Marjorie Dalrymple, during a strenuous period experienced in connection with her world tour in the interests of the Girl Guide Movement, has found time while in Wanganui to visit the local Maori people at Putiki. A visit was paid to the Putiki School, and the visitor was charmed with the children and their singing and action songs. On Saturday evening Lady Marjorie was a privileged spectator at the rehear, sal of the Historical Maori Pageant, now in course of preparation, and held at Totea Hall on Saturday evening. Mr. Rangi Marumaru, who is working in the interests of the pageant, briefly welcomed Lady Dalrymple, and pointed out that the occasion was simply a rehearsal. Lady Dalrymple, in reply, stated that she considered herself highly privileged in being allowed to be present at such an interesting series of events There was a large attendance of performers and spectators drawn from Putiki and other adjacent settlements, and all present were enthusiastic at the advanced preparations which were evidenced. The continuity of the pageant was evident, and the final scene was very impressive as to the relationship the two peoples bore to each other in the future standing of the Maori race. At the conclusion of the rehearsal Mr. Marumaru askod Lady Dalrymple to say a few words in connection with her visit and the special object which she was interested in. Lady Dalrymple was pleased to do so, and in a few well chosen remarks referred both to the pageant and the Girl Guide Movement. She said that what she had witnessed that evening would ever he a pleasant memory to her, and her main regret was that she would be away from Wanganui when the performance took place. She would do her best when she returned to het people in Scotland to describe to them what she had teen that evening. She pointed out that the Girl Guide Movement had behind it the main object of keeping the Empire intact and keeping out those forces which would tenv to break it asunder. The Girl Guide and Scout Movements she briefly explained, and showed the influence brought to bear upon the young people in order that they would grow up with the same ideals as they had before them.

Lady Dalrymple referred to the building in which they were that night, and said she would have greatly liked to have been at the memorable gathering held there when the Maori boys were welcomed home. New Zealand, she pointed out, had done more than her share in providing men. and she felt sure New Zealand would always do so. In relation to the Maoris she hoped that they would, in view of the significance of the pageant, continue to be true to 1 their ideals and also preserve as much ns possible of their traditions and arts and crafts. In concluding, she reiterated her pleasure at being present, and wished them every success. Mr. Marumaru briefly explained to tho old folk the meaning and purport of Lady Dalrymple’s remarks, with which they were in hearty accord.

Mr. Ilori Takarangi, in a. speech delivered in Maori, spoke appreciably of the visit of Lady Dalrymple, and iu so doing said ho hoped she would explain to her own people when she went back home that the Maoris were not cannibals, as he believed many in the Old Country still believed them to be. As she would have seen that evening, so far from wanting to oat their pakeha visitors they sought rather to entertain them and make them happy. Ho concluded his remarks by leading the famous haka, ‘‘Kainate Kainate,” in which the whole of the Maoris present joined, the effect being impressive in the extreme, and to the visitor sometiling outstandingly different to what siie had ever experienced before. At the conclusion Lady Dalrymple again thanked them for their hearty vvelcome, and in conclusion wished them all ‘‘Kia Ora.” Thereafter as the gathering dispersed, Lady Dalrymple shook hands with all, both old and young, and her visit will _ linger as a very pleasant memory with all who were present.