GIFT TO MR. SAVAGE
SUB-TRIBE OF ARAWAS CARVED WALKING STICK (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, rhis day. A picturesque ceremony took place, at Parliament Buildings yesterday, when the Ngati Ruamata people, a sub-tribe of the Arawas in Rotorua, presented the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, as Minister of Native Affairs, with a handsomely-carved walking stick. The presentation was made by Mr. A. F. Moncur, the member for Rotorua, in association with the Hon. Rangi Mawhete, M.L.C. There is an interesting tradition associated with the stick, which is carved to represent tuatara lizards. The forefathers of the people responsible for the gift were never beaten in battle. Two lizards in a lake close to their pa always gave warning of the approach of an enemy, thus giving the tribe time to prepare. The inspiration behind the gift was that the two lizards would give warning to the Native Minister and he would always be victorious.
Mr. Savage, in expressing his heartfelt thanks for the gift, reiterated his affection for the Maori people. He said he hoped to visit Rotorua shortly, and he then would extend his personal thanks for their generosity.
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Bibliographic details
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19124, 19 September 1936, Page 4
Word Count
189GIFT TO MR. SAVAGE Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19124, 19 September 1936, Page 4
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