VICE-REGAL TOUR

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12363, 5 February 1926, Page 11

VICE-REGAL TOUR

GOVERNOR-GENERAL IN ROTORUA GIFT TO THE MAORIS. Fer Press Association. ROTORUA, February 4. The Governor-General arrived ah Rooorua last night. This morning he was tendered a civic welcome in the Government Gardens, and presented with an illuminated address. Tho Mayor, Mr 0. 11. Clinkard, *on behalf of the borough, wished Their Excellencies a pleasant time, and assured them that everything had been done by the council to make it eo.

His Excellency in a fine patriotic, forceful speech alluded to tlie association of Lady Alice and himself with tho Dominion. Both their parents had been Governors of'New Zealand, and both had visited Rotorua. His father, iiad done so 52 years ago. H© was amazed at the changes and splendid development brought about by tho work of the pioneers, and ho looked forward to seeing the thermal wonders and the renewing of acquaintanceship. The rpeaker paid high tribute to the loyalty of the Dominion and the devotion of the Maori race. In the afternoon he visited Whakaro warewa where Mita Tftitpopoki made a stirring speech, and was supported by lb© Arnwns in dance and song. His Excellency, replying, reviewed his past connection with the Arawas, and presented them with a mere, the gift to his father bv the Chief Poihipi Tuku* iranga, of Taupo, in 1874, as a token of peace between tlie Maoris and nnkeba racen for ever and ever. He quoted the word* of his father to Poihipi: “Let us live in peace among you, for surely as the water© of the Waikato flow down to the aea so will pence and prosperity follow the'union of the two races.”

Great satisfaction was expressed by the Arawas at the gift. After the close of the speech Their Excellencies greeted the chief and the waljines in native fashion, greatly to the gratification of the spectators, after which an extended tour of the thermal eights wag made.