UNIQUE LETTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17324, 25 May 1918, Page 11

UNIQUE LETTER

MAORI WAR GIFT TO THE KING. HIS MAJESTY'S DECISION. (FBOM OUB OWN CoRHE3Po\D^Nr) I/)NDON*, Marcli 19. 'J lie Joint War Committee of tho British Rfd Cross Society and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem has just received what will probably bo one of the most interesting gifts that has reached it. It consists of a sum of money—£2B2 Gs Id —whjch was collected by certain Maori tribes in New Zealand and sent by them to the King, with a letter. On receipt of tho money tho King, after due consideration, decided that it should bo given to the funds of the Red Cross, and it has now accordingly reached headquarters in P.ill Mall. The letter which accompanied the gift is very interesting and original, and the following translation is given :— To his Most Graciou-s Majesty King George V;— " We, the undersigned, give you greetings. " Under tho great pressure, and strain, and endurance of this great war we, your people in this far away land, are making every effort to keep our end lip in supporting our brothers in this great struggle. Here we attach a bank draft for £2c2 9s Id. collected by your people to send to you to distribute as you think fit in connection with dealings in -warfare. "The following are tho names of the places u'hich have contributed to this gift:— Otaki, Manakau, Ohau, Horowhenua, and Poroutawhao, and following are the tribes concerned in contributing this gift:—Ngatiraukawa, Ngatawehiwehi. Ngatitokorehe, Mateawa, Ngatikapu, and Ngatihuia. "We further greet you with every good wish, and pray that God protect you and your people under the British flag.—Remaining ever your loyal friends and subjects, tatnouakava TEWAHARTJA, HONOITO RAXAI'IRI, HERE NEKrnNI. " P.S. —On receiving this letter please acknowledge and address to Honoito Ranapiri and Rerc Nekitini. Levin, Wellington province, New Zealand."