VISIT TO CITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23269, 11 February 1939, Page 15

VISIT TO CITY

THRILL FOR CHILDREN NORTHERN MAORI PARTY FIRST JOURNEY FROM HOME The culmination of many weeks of preparation, a visit to Auckland by 45 Maori boys and girls from North Auckland, began yesterday afternoon ■when the children arrived by the express from Whaugarei. As tlio train drew in to the station excited faces were seen peering from the carriage windows, and although some of the children had been up since 4.30 in the morning, there was no sign of weariness as they left the train. A haka specially composed for the occasion was given with spirit before the children marched to the Maori Hostel, Parnell, where they are staying.

The party comprises 34 children from the Mocha u Native School, in the Hokianga district, and 11 from the Tinopai School, in the Kaipara district. They are in the charge of Mr. L. Walbridge, head teacher of the native school, and Mr. G. Shepherd, of the Tinopai School. AeropJane Roars Overhead

Dressed mainly in a uniform of blue shirt or blouse and navy blue shorts or gymnasium dress, the boys and girls were on their best behaviour as they assembled with their luggage on the platform. Perhaps wonder at the sights new to their eyes kept them more subdued than would otherwise have been the ca.se. An unexpected sight was provided for them as they marched down the road, when the Union Airways monoplane roared overhead. Every face was turned upward to watch the machine circling over the city.

The children were met by the Rev. W. X. Panapa, Maori missioner in Auckland, Mr. J. H. Robertson, registrar of the Native Land Court, Mr. M. Bell, of the Native Land Department, Mr. H. W. Scott, president of the Maori Returned Soldiers' Association, and other members of organisations which had assisted in bringing them to Auckland. In addition to the two teachers, they were accompanied by Mrs. A. Marsh and Mrs. H. Tipene, as well as by the secretary of the Moehau School Committee, Mr. N. Maxwell, and Mr. P. Harding, a member of the committee. Launch, Car and Train. "The children gave no trouble on the journey," Mr. Walbridge said. "Some were up at 4.30 and left their homes an hour later for a launch trip of 12 miles to Taheke and then by motor-car a further 12 miles to Kaikohe. They enjoyed their journey in the train and the almost constant stream of new sights kept their attention occupied. Some new hakas had been specially composed for the visit to Auckland, Mr. Walbridge said. They included the haka of welcome and thanks for the treat in store, which was performed on the station, ami a haka for Lady Davis, Mayoress of Auckland, at whose home at Kohimarama the children will be entertained at morning tea on Monday. Until they return home next Friday! morning, the children will be kept fully occupied seeing all the novel sights the city can offer, The programme includes visits to the Awatea on Tuesday morning, to various factories, daily swims in the Tepid Baths, sight-seeing rides by tram and bus, and visits to the zoo and fire station. The children will view the city streets this morning and this afternoon they will visit a picture theatre. To-morrow there will be an early swim at the Tepid Baths, attendance at the morning services at St. Matthew's Church or St. Patrick's Cathedral, and in the afternoon a ride on the ferry to Devon port.