MAORI LOYALTY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19897, 27 March 1939, Page 4

MAORI LOYALTY

PLEDGE TO THE KING “THIS TIME OF STRESS” POVERTY BAY ASSEMBLIES CHIEF JUDGE’S ADDRESS References to the prevailing unsettlement in international affairs and to the deep interest taken by the Maori people of New Zealand in Empire obligations were made at gatherings of influential natives held yesterday at Waihirere and Waituhi respectively. At -both centres, unanimous support was voiced for the following motion conveying the feelings of the natives generally: — “That this meeting of Maori subjects of His Majesty King George VI. assembled near Gisborne to do honour to two flags unfurled at Waihirere and Waituhi pas, desires to tender its homage, loyalty and ~ allegiance to the • Crown, and to assure the Sovereign and his Ministers of the confidence, sympathy and support bf the Maori people in this time of stress." The meetings asked the : Chief Judge of the Native Land Court, Mr. R. N. Jones, to convey the message to the proper quarters, for transmission to His Majesty. Presentation of Flags As indicated in the resolution, the meetings were held in connection with the presentation of flags to the sub-tribes represented in the native settlements at Waihirere and Waituhi, the presentation being carried out by Chief Judge Jones, who was accompanied on visits to the two settlements by Judge H. Carr, with Mrs. Carr, and Judge McCarthy, who is spending a few weeks in this district prior to taking up an appointment in the Cook Islands group as judge of the Native Land Court there. Speeches of welcome to the official party were offered at Waihirere by Messrs. Tuteari. Te Kani, Kohikolu, and Manu, the last-mentioned speaking on behalf of the returned soldiers in'the settlement. Mr. Charles Ferns ) also shared the official welcome, he being the sole surviving member of the first Takitimu Maori Council. At Waituhi, the speakers included Messrs. Te Kani, Turiki Pere, Hore Tupara, Hoera Tupara and Mrs. Terapiene Tutald. A large number of those who took part in the function at Waihirere accompanied the official party to the later ceremony at Waituhi _ Obligations of Nationhood Addressing the gathering in the morning, Chief Justice Jones expressed the hope that the younger generation would be impressed by the sentiments which attached to the gift of the flags. The principal significance of this national emblem was that it guaranteed the liberties of those who lived under its protection, so long as they acted lawfully, no matter where they travelled. At the same time it carried responsibilities, demanding that its people practise honesty, justice, mercy and truthfulness, both within the nation and with those outside. They must deal with other nations as they wished to be treated in return, and maintain a lofty ideal of service to, the full extent of their • opportunities and strength. 1 In addition, it was necessary that ■ every individual in the nation must be ready to take his or her part if , a call was made. The Empire must I fit itself, through its individual subi jects, to defend its honour and inter- . est against outside aggression, and . the crisis recently developed in Europe exemplified how necessary was that unity of purpose which had carried the Empire through generations of trial and tribulation to its ' pre-eminence in the world to-day. • The speaker emphasised his view 3 that true patriotism carried not hos- ’ tility to other nations, but a quick- ’, ened sense of responsibility to one’s own, and to the weaker peoples whose 1 interests were similar. The Maori race - had proved its loyalty and value to the Empire in other times, and he j felt that while due respect for the i obligations of nationhood was incul- ; cated by the elders, the younger gens eration would uphold the tradition. 3 (Applause).; , . •: : r The breaking., of the flags at both settlements was' signalised by cheers and the singing of the National Anthem. ' a:-. r.