Rotorua’s Rousing Welcome To British Visitors

Northern Advocate, 31 January 1940, Page 7

Rotorua’s Rousing Welcome To British Visitors

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”l ROTORUA. This Day. A crowd of 800 people gave a rousing welcome to the Marquess and Marchioness of Willingdon at a civic reception and Maori concert in Rotorua last night. “It is fitting that the first lVlaori welcome to Lord Willingdon should bo from the Arawas. who have welcomed every royal visitor to New Zealand," said the Mayor (Mr. T. Jackson), in extending a civic welcome to the visitors. Lord Willingdon, he continued, had dedicated his life to Empire administration, and the people of New Zealand were proud that he had been chosen to l’epresent the Imperial Government at the Centennial. Racial Harmony. “The most tangible thing we have to show after a century of history is complete l-acial hai’mony between Maori and pakeha,” said Mr. Jackson. “This is the result of wise statesmanship and the faith the Maori has shown in the British administration. Welcomes on behalf of the Maoris were given by Te Hatu Pirihi, who spoke through an interpreter, and Mr. H. Tai Mitchell. Mr, Mitchell referred to the loyalty shown by the Maoris both in 1914 and at the pi-esent time. Presentations were made to the official parties by Mi-. Mitchell, assisted by the women of the Arawa tribe. The gifts included finely-carved articles such as whakahuia, the presentation of which is considered a high honour. Gratifying Welcome. Lord Willingdon said he regretted that the Centennial was not being observed in the peaceful circumstances that had been hoped for. The welcome he had received from the Maoris was particularly gratifying, as it showed that they had accepted him as an ambassador of goodwill. “I would ask you to remember what we are going through in England." stated Lord Willingdon. “It is the most serious crisis the Empire has ever faced. .We look to receiving all the assistance possible. Ruthless, Relentless iFoe. “We are fighting a ruthless and relentless foe. “The most important feature of the struggle is that it is one of true religion against godlessness. “I do not think the struggle will be long, and I am certain that victory is sure and that peace terms of goodwill and contentment will result.”