SIR GEO. GREY AT ROTORUA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8482, 5 February 1891, Page 5

SIR GEO. GREY AT ROTORUA.

A MAORI WELCOME. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] RoTORtJA, Wednesday. Sir George Grey received a splendid reception here yesterday on his arrival by coach from Okoroire. Tho Land Court was adjourned for the day to allow the natives to welcome the venerable statesman once more to Rotorua, after an absence of over thirty years. For several hours before Sir George arrived, the road between Lake House and the Palace Hotel was thronged with Maoris, many of them being attired in their native costume. Tourists and other Europeans took a lively interest in the proceedings, and were to be seen in small knots discussing many interesting incidents in the career of New Zealand's Grand Old Man. The Pukeroa Hill and other vantage spots were dotted with groups eager to obtain a first glimpse of the coach as it passed along the flat at the baseoffNgongotahiMountain. Whenitdrove into the township old and young natives pressed forward and sang a song of welcome, accompanied with their usual dance. This was continued till the coach reached Lake House, where Sir George alighted, and was immediately received on behalf of the Europeans by Mr. Malfroy who welcomed him as a visitor, and spoke in eulogistic terms of tho valuable services he has rendered to the country. Many of the natives then pressed forward to grasp the hand of their friend and benefactor, which they shook with evident feelings of gratitude. Sir George spoke a few words in Maori to the natives, who appeared much affected when he mentioned that many of those around him were the descendant? of his old friends. Sir George is looking very well, and is gradually improving in health. He expressed himreli as being agreeably surprised at the healthy appearance of the children about here, and can hardly credit that the Maori race is likely to die out. He intends remaining in the district about a fortnight, visiting Taupo, bub time will not admit of his going as far as Tokaano, which ho would again like to see. To-day he started in the steamlaunch for Mokoia, and Tikitere, accompanied by Mrs. and Miss George, who are travelling with him. A meeting of natives will take place in the Tamatepapua this evening, to which Sir G. Grey has been invited to attend.