FAREWELL TO MISS N. WILSON

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16628, 23 April 1928, Page 11

FAREWELL TO MISS N. WILSON

PRESENTATION FROM MAORIS A largo gathering of pakehas and Maoris "attended a farewell function tendered to Miss Norma Wilson, at Shark's Bay yesterday afternoon. Durinn; the kapa'Maori," which was supplied by the Maoris, a presentation was made to Miss Wilson by Mr. Black, of a beautiful greenstone tiki. Mr. C. W. Ferris addressed the gathering in. his native tongue, and was interpreted by Captain W, Pitt. "In order to compete against the world's best, it is the Maori custom that her people shall speak and eat together and. all may look into her eyes and wish her every luck, and another Maori custom is .that enough food should be sent to eat on the journey. Miss ■ Wilson, who is about to leave us to gain laurels in foreign lands, we regret has no native blood in her veins, but she is native bom and belong to us as well as our pakeha' friends," declared Mr. Ferris. "We have among our people some tohungas, who. will pray to their Gods to instil into you that fleetness of foot which, will enab"le you to be succesful. We will all wish and pray for you, and from this- evening saying their incantations."

"The following is a Maori, legend from Kaikoura,' in the South Island," continued Mr. Ferris. , "One morning, Rongokoko woke up. 'Listen, 0 people, I am going to the East C'oast to meet some relatives, but I will return for breakfast,' he said. He took one step to Wellington, one to Capo 'Kidnappers, one to Tap'uae, and one to Tawhiti, now called Tokomaru Bay, where he met his relatives, then return to Kaikoura. for breakfast. We hope that when you get off the mark, four first step will be past the post. Farewell, Miss Wilson, we wish you. all luck, and God-speed, and may you return crowned with laurels. We also wish to congratulate Mr. Blade for presenting you with the tiki, which is one of the greatest, emblems of luck in the Maori race." Mr. Moana Paratene also addressed the gathering, returning thanks' on behalf of Mr., Mrs. and Miss Wilson to the Maoris ,for the reception, and. good wishes tendered to Miss Wilson.

Lady Carroll unable to: attend to make a presentation, but Miss Wilson was asked to call at her residence today. -.-..;. Before the assemblage adjourned to. the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson to view Miss Wilson's trophies, Messrs.; C. W. Ferris arid Moana Paratene gave a stirring recital of a .Maori war-cry.