ARAWAS GREET GENERAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17295, 20 October 1919, Page 8

ARAWAS GREET GENERAL.

TRIBUTE TO MAORI SOLDIERS. [BY TELEGHAPH. —OWN CORSESPONDSIfT. ]

ROTQRUA, Saturday.

The Arawa tribe gave a reception "to General Sir Andrew Russell and Lady and Miss Russell this afternoon. There was a large gathering -of Europeans and Maoris, including many soldiers, who were specially invited. The weather was fine. The guests were received with customary songs of welcome, war dances, and poi play. Several chiefs spoke eulogising General Russell's leadership, especially referring to his care and consideration of the Maori soldiers. The speakers referred to the traditional loyalty of the Araw&s, declaring their readiness again to go to war for the Empire should necessity arise. The general was presented with a valuable feather mat.

In reply, Sir Andrew said that what touched him most was their reference to the care he took of their young men at the front. It was the duty of anyone in authority, however, to look after those under him. He had seen their young men on Gallipoli, and they had always been cheerful and of good spirit. He had not forgotten those left behind in France and Gallipoli, of whom it might be said : " He being" dead yet epeaketh." What they said was that victory had been gained by the common devotion and unity of all.