ARAWAS' RECEPTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 217, 18 August 1925, Page 5

ARAWAS' RECEPTION

VISITING SAILORS ENTERTAINED. Per Press Association. ROTORUA, Aug. 17. Five hundred and iiity-six officers and men from the fleet had a great reception at the hands of the Arawas on Saturday night at a typical Maori entertainment. Lord Stradbroke was also present. Great cordiality was shown, to all the members of the visiting party, who delighted and cheered the entertainers continually. Mr Tai Mitchell welcomed them in a fine speech, stressing the solidarity of the Anglo-Saxon race, and the, loyalty of the Arawas. The chief petty officer of the Mississippi cordially thanked the entertainers who had given them the time of their lives. Lord Stradbroke also voiced keen appreciation. After the entertainment the men were invited to a dance at Tamatekapua. The train left near midnight amid stirring scenes. MODEL CANOE FOR THE ADMIRAL CASKET FOR THE PRESIDENT. ROTORUA, Aug. 17. Admiral G'oontz and 200 officers arrived this afternoon. After a welcome at the station, lunch was partaken of at Tama te Kapua, where the visitors were received by the big Arawa tribe in splendid native fashion, with powhiri pois and hakas. The Arawas presented a model canoe to the Admiral and .a casket to be handed to the President of the Uiyted States, witli the hope that it would be used to enclose a copy of the treaty for the peace of the world between Britain and America. Admiral Coontz and Vice-Admiral Wylie responded in most happy vein and thanked the Arawas for their splendid hospitality. The proceedings were marked by great enthusiasm and were witnessed by a great crowd of natives and visitors.