MAORI RACE

Northern Advocate, 14 August 1929, Page 4

MAORI RACE

GLOWING TRIBUTE PAID.

BY ALL BLACKS MANAGER,

(Australian Press Association.)

SYDNEY, August 2. ’

A striking tribute was paid the 'Maori race by the manager of the All Blacks football 'team, Mr McLeod. It was during the farewell tendered the visiting team by the Civic Club, and Mr Mc-Leod-s words made a deep impression on those present.

‘ ‘ Over in the dominion, ’’ said. Mr McLeod, “they had learnt to love the Maoris, qnd the more they knew of them the more they liked them. They were a wonderful people, and were a distinct race. The Maoris, with their fine mentality s chivalry, and fine physique, were creating an influence that was favourably felt throughout New Zealand.’’

The All Blacks .manager then informed his eager listeners that exactly 100 years ago to the very day, a ship, built in Sydney, had sailed to New Zealand to trade with the Maoris, It had returned to Sydney, Mt on the second voyage to New Zealand it, had been wrecked near New Plymouth. Many of the ship’s crew were saved, and settled among the natives, and had taken Maori wives. At the present time, the leading families of Taranaki claimed relationship with those sailors who 'had been wrecked 100 years ago. A distinct type had been evolved, arid in all respects they were particularly fine people.