WELCOME BY THE ARAWAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17457, 29 April 1920, Page 4

WELCOME BY THE ARAWAS.

GATHERING AT OHINEMUTU

PICTURESQUE CEREMONIAL.

OLD-TIME OBSERVANCES. PRESENTATION OF GIFTS. [BY TELEGXAPH. SPECIAL BEPOBTEB-] ROTORUA. Wednesday. . The Arawas welcomed the Prince at Ohinemutu early in the forenoon, but the function, was spoiled by steady rain. Ha J sunshine prevailed the effect would have been particularly striking. There was an unusually fine colour effect and uniformity about the costumes worn, nothing- incongruously modern being in evidence. This was the Prince's first experience of ancient Maori customs, and he followed the hakas and dancing with the keenest interest. For the occasion he wore military uniform. On arriving at the entrance to the Maori village he was met by the usual challengers, who, after making fearsome gestures nnd uttering blood-curdling cries. slowly retired on a large party of men similarly attired. Outside the gates \-f the marae a haka was performed with a fervour that defied the influence of unkindly elements. The Prince slowly entered the marae, a native banner being carried before him. His Royal Highness took his seat, in company with Admiral Halsey and Dr. Pomare, Minister representing the Native race in the Executive, on a raised platform under the shelter Of the outer porch of the meetinghouse. The warriors immediately commenced a haka, making the air ring with their cries and. the ground resound with their stamping feet. Rangi T« Aorere and Te Amohau then delivered the speeches of welcome, which were interpreted by Lieutenant Ehait. i

'"Welcome ! Welcome ! Welcome '. Thrice welcome, stranger from beyond the seas.'' commenced one speech. "Welcome, greatgrandson of Queen Victoria. Welcome 10 the Arawas. Welcome to oar beloved monarch's eldest son. Bring hither the power and prestige that have always belonged to the house of Windsor." .Loyalty to the Throne.

Th» speech followed the usual lines, referring to the visits of the late Duke »>f Edinburgh and of the present' King, and dwelling upon the loyalty of the Arawas from time immemorial and the service rendered in the great war by the young men of the Arawas. It reaffirmed with great dignity their allegiance to the Throne. The speech was followed by the "Komate, tomato" haka, a most inspiring and realistic performance. The women, all dressed in white blouses with blue shoulder sashes and red skirts beneath mats, then filed in front of the men. and the whole company sang the "Hoki Hoki Tona Mai" song, which includes the sentiment, "Come back to us every summer." The singing was .spjendid. the fine harmony and balance giving evidence of practice. The pleasure of the ear was enhanced by the pleasure of the eye, for a graceful poi was performed by the women as they sang, the front row, either sitting or lying, the second kneeling, and the rest standing. A presentation of gifts was then made. These comprised several fine mats and cases of pipes, carved in Maori style, and a taiaha or wooden spear. They vere laid with ceremony on a table in front of the l'riuce, who then replied in the following words. Dr. Pornare interpreting: —"l know the loyal Arawa tribe has always been steadfast and true, and I thank you sincerely for your kind welcome and your presents." The Maoris applauded, but they seemed to be disappointed at the brevity of th-5 speech. The assembled natives then formed a lortg line from the meetinghouse to the Maori church, while the Prince took the taiaha in his hand and had a mat fastened round his shoulders, and a huia feather placed in the side of his cap. Kissing the Prince's Hand. Great cheering broke out when the Prince descended in this costume to go down the line. He smiled in boyish style, and appeared to be enjoying "the experience. He then proceeded down the line, shaking hands, starting with the girls. He had not passed many before the girl at the end of the row called out *" Hail the King" in Maori. This caused great mirth. It was evidently an instruction to her sisters to kiss the Prince's hand, for this was started immediately and carried on down the line, the Prince blushing becomingly. One ambitious maiden put up her face, either with the intention of rubbing noses or of kissing the Prince's cheek, but he" gave a startled backward movement, and so missed this token of regard. But he laughed gaily and carried on. After visiting the church His Royal Highness returned amid waving flags. The National Anthem was then sung, tie Frince standing at attention immediately in front of the statue of Queen Victoria, which was sent to the Arawas after representations had been made to the Duke of Edinburgh when he visited New Zealand in 1871. The Prince then entered his car and stood up, smiling his farewells as the car moved away through the c amorous crowd. " °