A NOTABLE MAORI GATHERING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2425, 5 September 1900, Page 23

A NOTABLE MAORI GATHERING.

PRESENTATION OF SWOPvDS 03? HONOUR.

WELLINGTON, September 2,

- The presentation of swords to officers- of -the New Zealand Jubilee Contingent was ■■made the' occasion yesterday of a big Native gathering of a patriotic character at Papawai, near Grey town North. Na--tives were present from all parts of the North Island, and there was also a good sprinkling of representative Europeans from, the surrounding districts. A large number of members of Parliament had arranged to take part in the demonstration, buc owing to the all-night sitting of the House on Friday only about 15 of them made the trip by yesterday morning's train, but with the friends' of Ministers -and members the whole parliamentary party numbered about 50. The Governor and .suite joined the train at Pigeon Bush, and among those who went from town were the Hon. Mr Carroll, Colonel Penton, Adjutant Owen, Lieutenant-colonels Pitt and Porter, and Major Bonar. The feature of the gathering was the paa-ade of mounted infantry belonging to the Wairarapa district, the turn out of the Maori corps beincr particularly creditable. Upon the arrival of the visitors at Papa•wii pa, Mr J. Jury, on behalf of the Natives, extended a hearty welcome and greeting to all. Addressing the Governor, £c said that since the treaty of Waitangi the Maori race had remained firm and loyal to the Crc-wfl, and when the Natives had '"lieard of the resort to arms in South Africa they had all been to uphold the 'honour of the British" flag in the contest for supremacy. The Governor, in replying, said it was -pleasing to him to take part in the presentation of these swords of honour. They -would be treasured in aftei years as marking the great Diamond Jubilee of the 'Queen, not as badges of Avar, but as emblems of a gieat gathering of the sons of th.-s Empire in the capital city of the Empire Since that day of peace and tranquility events of great importance to the Empire had occurred, and a similar assembling of the Empire's sons had taken place, but under different circumstances and for a very different purpose. These f.ons of European and native races had come, forward anxious to draw the sword on the mother country's "behalf. He said it seemed almost unnecessary to thank the Maoris for their loyalty, which we.3 fell "by all to be genuine and true. With such loyalty it could only be a pleasure to her Majesty's representative to take part in Native gatherings as often as they occurred in New Zealand. Speaking personally, he said it was his pleasure, as his duty, to do all that lay in his power for the Native aace.. ' The Governor, whose speech Tipd been received with manifestations of delight by the Maoris, then proceeded to present swords to Licul enant-colonel Pitt. M.L.C., Nelsons -Captain Tunuirangi, Waixarapa; Lieutenant Pringle, Palmerston 'North; cad Sergeant-major Tareha, 'HaAvke's Bay. The swords, which were "handsomely embellished, bore the following inscription: — ''Presented to [name of recipient] by the New Zealand Government in commemoration of his visit to London ■with the NeAv Zealand contingent of Mounted Rifles to take part in the celebration of the sixtieth year of the reign of her Majesty Queen Victoria, * June 21, 1897. J> In handing over the SAVords the Governor said they were given as an cm-

j blem of the greatest peace celebration of any nation in the world. " If- they are Avanted for other purposes," he added, " I j have no doubt they will be at her Maj jesty's disposal."

After a march past by tlie mounted corps- the visitors were entertained at : -luncheon in a large meeting house in the pa.- In" all about 700 persons partook of the hospitality of the Natives. In this regard the arrangements Avere in every respect up to date, and Mr H. Parata, Avho acted as secretary for the Maori Committee, repeated the great success Avhich, he scored e/s organiser of the recent patriotic Maori, carnival in Wellington. XJnf or Lunate] y the Aveather was not at all favourable, heaA'y shoAvers falling at intervals during the day. The party from Wellington returned by last night's train.