THE LOYAL MAORI

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4258, 18 January 1901, Page 5

THE LOYAL MAORI

I PithPABING TO RECEIVE THE DUKE OF YORK. PROPOSED MONSTER GATHERING OF NATIVES. SKETCH OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAMME. The loyally of the Maoris and their keenness to seize upon and make the most of every opportunity of giving cxpression to tlyit loyalty are perhaps among the most powerful witnesses of their giatcful acquiescence in her Aiuicsty’s paramountcy in New Zealand, and their own eagerness to recognise the benefits flowing from the generous rule of her Ministers. This has been strikingly illustrated by ‘he fact that a deputation consisting of such influential chiefs as Tarnahau, Whatahoro and Kahoriki, introduced'h.v Alr C. Parata, have waited, on the Act-ing-Premier (Hon J. G. Ward) with the object of laying before him their views on what they considered a fritting Maori welcome to such a distinguished visitor as the Duke of York should be like in order to be worthy of so great -an occasion.

It appears that Maori etiquette demands that such an illustrious visitor as the Queen’s grandson and future King of England should be received by the assembled chiefs before the actual landing lias taken place. Their ancient custom of welcoming the coming guest, it has been decided, shall be observed with all the iracfitioiral ceremonies. The Acting-Premier received the deputation with" the utmost cordialitiy, and expressed his sympathy with their plans in the wannest terms. The Government. be promised, would do everything in its power to .second the endear, our.s of the deputation to make the contemplated proccecdihgs a success. He felt sure their efforts to, make the demonstration on the auspicious occasion referred to worthy of the greatness of tho Maori race and its tradition would meet with the warm approval of every member of tho Goverrment. At the, same time, (ho Aoting-Premicr pointed out that there was also etiquette to‘ be observed', on tho European -side, and that before lie could 1 commit the Government or the Prince to any programme tho latter would have to be consulted, and no definite proceedings could be shaped until his reply was received, hie promised to himself communicate with the .proper authorities to see if an arrangement could bo made. It will be remembered that a communication was recently received from tho Agent-General asking if any arrangement was to bo mane for a. meeting of the Prince, with the Maori chiefs. This may bo taken as indicative of an expressed desire on the -part of the Duke of York to meet the native representatives, so no doubt there will be no difficulty in arranging that such a meeting may take place at Wellington, with the the customary attendant ceremonies referred to.'

Mr 0. Parata, of Wellington, is the organising secretary of the movement. The annals of NevF Zealand are mark, cd by many magnificent and imposing spectacles in which Maori manhood has borne sv striking and picturesque part, filling the beholders of all nationalities with admiration.

But the Maoris, as Mr Parata told a "Times” representative, now recognise that a greater than the dead Prince, who visited these far-away islands so many years ago, is about to honour these shores with his .presence, for in the coming guest they see the future King. Even among the Maoris the spirit of Imperialism, is evidently at work. They have talked much about this among themselves., Tho result of this korero is that the Maoris of tho different tribes in tho districts about Gisborne, Taopo. Taranaki, Wanganui, Wellington and elsewhere are determined to make such a demonstration at the landing of the Duke as will eclipse and leave far behind all other achievements in that direction.

The best blood in Maoriland will bo present, and the pick of the young men and -women will bo sent to perform war dances, hakas and poi dances. It lias also been decided to send down to tho scene of festivities sonto of the most famous of the war canoes and their crews. Nothing, in short, .will bo left undone to make, the Maori reception of the Duke worthy of so, great an occasion.