SIB GEO. GREY AT ROTORUA

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8483, 6 February 1891, Page 5

SIB GEO. GREY AT ROTORUA

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDED. ] Rotorua, Thursday. Sir George Grey's visit is creating coniderable interest amongst the natives, especially amongst the old chiefs who never tire interviewing him. At the island of Mokoiayesterday he was cordially received, and again at a meeting last night of the principal chiefs of the Ngatiwakaue he was received with greetings of welcome. Petera Pukuatua in a long speeoh attested to the good works Sir George had done whilst Governor of the colony, in erecting flourmills and establishing schools for the benefitofthenatives. In those days Auckland was supplied with flour from the Waikato. The speaker then referred to how King Tawhiao was induced to give up drinking, and the good it had done him. To this Sir George replied, exhorting tho chiefs to follow Tawhiao's example, so as to save the young people from the evil effects of drink, and he asked them to sign a document to that- effect, and will again meet them this evening to give them an opportunity to do so, many having already expressed their willingness. The natives asked Sir George if they had acted wisely in selling the township. He replied that it was the best thing they could have done, but not to have squandered the money foolishly. Sir George and party are visiting Whakarewarewa this afternoon.