ROYAL MEETING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19138, 6 October 1936, Page 14

ROYAL MEETING

TONGAN AND MAORI QUEEN SALUTE VISITS PA A notable meeting took place at the Ngaruuwahia pa on Saturday, when Tonga 11 and Maori Royalty exchanged greetings and presents. The pa was visited nv Queen Salute and her consort, Prince Tugi, who were accompanied by Mr. \Y. A. Boucher, agent in New Zealand for the Tongan Government. The visitors were greeted by a party of Maoris in ceremonial garb, and were welcomed with songs and a haka. Speeches were delivered on behalf of King Koroki and Princess To Puca Ilerangi, who were presented to the Royal guests. The Methodist Maori mission was strongly represented at the gathering, and the addresses of welcome were lollowed by a service conduded by the Rev. Alntene Keepa. The preacher was the Rev. A. J. Seamer, general superintendent of the Methodist -Maori Mission. In his address, Mr. Seamer said that the meeting of Tongan and Maori Royalty was one that lie had longed for, and he was very happy to be present- on such an important occasion. The speaker referred to the work ot the. early Methodist, missionaries, and to the fact.'that Queen Snlote and tier illustrious predecessors had come under their influence and had taken their Tongan and Maori races, he said, were one in blood and in their love of Christ.

A beautiful Tongan mat was presented to King Koroki, and in return be presented Queen Snlote with a liandsomelycarved kumete or bowl. Prince Tugi was made the recipient of a carved walking stick.

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