EMPIRE SETTLEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20075, 12 October 1928, Page 16

EMPIRE SETTLEMENT.

LORD LOVAT AT ROTORUA. WELCOME BY ARAWA CHIEF. TRIBUTES TO SCOTTISH RACE. [ltv TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ROTORUA, Thursday Lord Lovat, Parliamentary UnderSecretary for Dominion Affairs, who is on an emigration mission from the British Government, arrived at Rolorua last evening and was welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. J. N. McLean. Later Lord Lovat. and party were entertained by the Maoris in the meeting house at Whakarewarewa. Mita Taupopaku, paramount chief of tin: Aravvas. in happy vein, extended a cordial welcome to tho distinguished visitor. He said that among the Scottish race the Maoris had many staunch and true friends. Ho hoped more people would find their way to this country. The Maoris had a few more acres left and he would be glad to give some of them to settle Scots on. The Maoris were on the "platform of departure to the unknown realms of night," continued Mita, "and nothing would be more pleasant to them than to know that their beautiful land, discovered by them more than 20 generations ago, would house, men and women of good British stock. Lord Lovat would find his countrymen in every place he visited in New Zealand and lie would also notice tht! emblems' of Scotland, the thistle, in evidence. Not many years ago the flovernnicnl seriously considered putting the Scotch thistle in the same class as the CaliforiKan thistle and blackberry, but there were too many patriotic Scottish influences ;n Cabinet, so the thistle was saved.

"1 can trace many tilings in common between von and me." concluded Mila.

"The kilt and the pui pui, the tribe and the clan, hospitality, loyalty, pride of race, love of our women folk and children. Sharing these things, can yon wonder -hat our respect, goodwill and affection are yours? Will yon please convey to His Majesty the King (to me) not of the British Empire, but of the world, and His lioyal house—one fealty and Aroha. We wish you and your mission every success. May your visit add further lustre in justification of the claims that where British institutions live, based as they are on Christian ideals, life is safe, life is good, life is happy and freedom without license is the treasure of all. Farewell."

Lord Lovat, in thanking Mita for his cordial welcome, said the Maoris held the admiration of British people for their courage on laud and sea. The feat of discovering Aotearoa in their fiail crafts over great spines of the trackless ocean would always have a high place in his torv. The part their sons took in the late war touched chords of hereditary courage and sacrifice for the. great ideals of life which they gallantly fought for on Gallipoli and on the plains of Flanders. Lord Lovat thanked the performers for their very fine entertainment which he himself and party had immensely enjoyed, and wished all continued health and happiness.

The party left this morning, after a visit to s\ hakarewyrewa, for Waiotapu where the Government plantation will be inspected. Then the party goes to Wailakei and Napier.

BENEFITS OF THE MISSION

PROPOSAL FOR CONFERENCE

Matters arising out of the visit of Lord Lovat wore discussed yesterday at a meetting of the New Zealand Land Settlement and Development League, presided ovor hv Mr. W. J. Holdsworth.

Gratification was expressed that members of tho leaguo had been able to havo much tune with Lord Lovat during his stay in Auckland, and a resolution was passed thanking the Government for the opportunities given to discuss questions i.l' migration with the visitor. The chairman stated he had received a letter from the Prime Minister thanking the combined committee for its appreciation of the principle of the recent land settlement legislation.

During a discussion on Empire settlement Mr. M. G. McArthur said he considered it was of prime importance to ascertain costs. It was decided, in order to meet any possible criticism, to have figures prepared by men actually on the land and to place tho information in the hands of Lord Lovat..

A suggestion was mado by Mr. N. G. Oribblc that those in Wellington who had written for information should be asked to arrange a Dominion conference, at which representatives of the various interests could express their views on the subject of Lord Lovat's mission. It was decided to take the necessary steps and to endeavour to obtain from the Government a definite statement as to Cabinet's decision before Lord Lovat left New Zealand.

Mr. Holdsworth said if seemed unfortunate that a visitor desirous of learning all he could about local conditions should have such a short stay in the Dominion. However, it would he' impossible to esfi male from a national standpoint the value of (he present, tour. It was esseutial to stir up public interest.