CARDINAL MacRORY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22004, 10 January 1935, Page 10

CARDINAL MacRORY

VISIT TO ROTORUA WELCOME GIVEN BY MAORIS [BY TELEGRAPH OWN CORRESPONDENT ROTORUA. Wednesday A short, but thorough, inspection of some of the best attractions in the thermal region was made by Cardinal Macßory, Primate of All Ireland, today. He was accompanied by members of his suite. The Cardinal visited th« Government grounds in Rotorua, then Tikitere, and spent the remainder of the day at Wairakei, returning to Rotorua in the evening. His Eminence ' gave evidence of having thoroughly enjoyed his hurried survey of the attractions, and expressed regret that his stay could not be prolonged. This evening a Maori welcome was extended to him at Ohinemutu, th« Maoris participating being not onlv members of his own Church, but also including members of other denominations. Speeches of welcome were made under the direction of Mr. Kepa Ehan. One picturesque address to His Eminence was as follows:

"Awake! Arise, ye that lie neath the sod. Come forth ye spirits of my fathers. Your voices raise; your war song chant in unison and concord. Uplift ye the cry, 'Welcome,' for the distinguished and illustrious graces your humble courtyard this day. "Eminent Sir, we their progeny reecho that cry. Welcome, welcome to our beautiful land. In numbers we as a race are the smallest on earth. In loyalty, however, we give place to none. Coming as you do, the ambassador of our Holy Father, we, His children, irrespective of creed or persuasion, tender you our assurances of devotion and allegiance. Bring here to us His blessing and message, and take back with you our greetings." In addition to the formal addresses of welcome the plea was made that tho Pope might consider the possibility of giving the Maoris a bishop of their own race.

Father Alink, in charge of the Rqtorua district, acted as interpreter for Cardinal Macßory, who thanked the Maoris for their welcome, adjured theni to hold steadfast to their faith, and mentioned that the present Pope had a very special interest in races such as that of the Maori. He promised to bring their request for a bishop before tho notice of His Holiness.

In an interlude in the programme of hakas and pois. His Eminence was presented with a carved paddle and a carved walking stick as souvenirs of his visit to Rotorun. Before leaving, the Cardinal, as Papal Legate, bestowed on all those present the Papal blessing.

To-morrow morning Cardinal MacRory will visit Waitomo, and will arrive in Auckland in the evening.