FRIENDLY NATIVES.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 August 1928, Page 5

FRIENDLY NATIVES.

ENTHUSIASTIC CONFERENCE AT AWAPUNI. (By Tt.egraph —Hross Association.') GISBOBNE, This Day. The Maori pa at Awapuni was the scene of a representative gathering of Natives yesterday, when a hui was held to indicate the burying of the hatchet of inter-tribal jealousy and to cement the new leadership brought about through common sacrifice in the great war. The function was the immediate outcome or a visit of the Northern Maori football 'representatives.' Bepresenta-tives from five different sections of the North island were present and after church service addresses of welcome were delivered by Sir Apirana Ngata and other Ngatiparou chiefs, references being made to bygone days when the Ngapuhi tribes had raided the East Coast.

The loss of the Prince of Wales trophy was regarded an advantage for it would afford the East Coast tribes an incentive to visit the Northern district next year and it was hoped a friendly contest for the Cup would finally complete the unification of the native race.

The visitors cordially replied. It was mentioned that the friends of the late Sir Jas. Carroll had pledged themselves to raise £3OOO for a memorial to their late chief and had requested the Government to give a subsidy. The Prime Minister had intimated that he would give the matter consideration. The Northern representatives left for Whakaki, where they attend celebrations in connection 'with the late Sir James Carroll's birthday.