MAORI "KING" ABROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 156, 30 June 1914, Page 9

MAORI "KING" ABROAD.

SEEING LONDON'S SIGHTS. ! CHIEFS SEEKING ADVICE. [I'BOM ope ow>- ooaKßsroNDEsrr.] Lokdon, May 22. At length the four Waikato chiefs 'who are to bring the views of the " king" natives bofore the British Government have reached London, and they are now comfortably quartered in the Hotel Metropole, with little idea of their future comings and goings.

Te Rata, with Tupu Taingakawa He Waharoa and their two companions, stopped off in Canada and tho United States for some time and saw what there was to be seen. Mr. Paora, the secretary, says that for himself he is not impressed with Canada. Compared with England, which just, now is in its most beautiful spring coat, Canada is not very impressive Moreover, 1 at Toronto and other places many reporters waited on the king and his suite, and asked many questions and received few answers, but published nevertheless many answers and few questions. Whereforo the members of the depotation rejoice greatly that the British press has not yet discovered them, though they have lived an open life here for three full days.

Te Rata and his companions are arrayed in London suits of tho best cut—morning coats and silk hats; and they look a thoroughly creditable and well-conducted party, attracting no unwolcomo attention, and behaving themselves demurelv as behoves the dignity of chiefs. The hotel attendants speak highly of their bearing. For the rest they are in much doubt. They have written to their old protector "and adviser, Sir John Gorst, as to the course they should take. Sir John, as is well known to all ,who have read his book, strongly urged them some years ago not to make this trip, which bo then felt sure must end in disappointment. Still they look to him to assist them with advice, and to get their grievances consideration in the ri»ht quarters. What are tho grievances? they were asked, but that they will not disclose. It is as it was at the recent conference at Waalii, when Mr. Kaihau challenged them to put down in writing what they wanted to ask of the King and his council. : Meanwhile, they have interviewed the High Commissioner, and thoy are enjoying I thoroughly what they see of London.