THE PRINCE AT ROTORUA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12041, 30 April 1920, Page 5

THE PRINCE AT ROTORUA.

GREAT MAORI DEMONSTRATION. Per Press Asso nation Rotorna, April 29 After the Prince’s speech at the great Maori demonstration to day (reported in another part of this paper) a whariki was placed around the shoulders of the Prince amidst the prolonged applause of Maori and pakeha. The Prince replied to the address, each reference to the tribes’ Loyalty and friendship in the past evoking fresh outbursts of applause. At the conclusion of the address hakas, poi dances and other evolutions followed in quick succession, enthusiasm rising in intensity as the warriors and women warmed to their work. The Ngapuhis perhaps excelled all others as warriors. They advanced in ordered array and went through the inspiring steps and movements of the haka, using spears in thrust and defence, and working their faces In heart-thrilling contortions. Of the poi dancers (women) Wanganui may be singled out for special mention, though the others ran them very close. The rise and fall in the cadence of the voices chanting poi songs was a revelation to many. One presentation may be described as typical of all. The East Coast tribes, under Hon, A. T. Ngata, M.P., came forward. The warriors, naked to the waist except for a blue sash over their shoulders, and barefooted, take the field. They are men of splendid physique. The air quivers with their shouts of “Au An Hah,” as "they brandish their spears aloft. Then they crouch, a deep roar of defiance dying away and being replaced by a cry of welcome. The wahines come forward in black and pnrple mats, and carrying pin pin of "the same colours. Their powhiri has been well rehearsed, and compels wondering attention, their final salute to the Prince being warmly applauded. .The warriors then pass tjirongh the ranks of women and from here the chant of weolome grows and swells to great volume as it rolls along the ranks, ending in a crash of native equivalent of hurrahs, and clapping of hands.

Presentation of gifts to the Prince followed, chiefs and cbieftainosaes advancing and laying them at the feet of the Prince, at the same time bending low in token of obedience to the son of their King and great-grandson of the great and good Victoria of honoured memory.

After this the Prince Inspected the rank of the warriors and poi dancers, his progress across the field being held up constantly by excited and delighted Maoris, who gave him a Royal send-off as he departed for his hotel.

In the afternoon, in addition to meeting school children, the Prinee was present at a parade of returned Maori soldiers in the baths’ gardens, and presented a number of medals for war services. After that he paid another visit to Whakarewarewa, walking out and back. During his stay at Whakarewarewa he thoroughly examined every item in the list of wonders of nature to be seen there. His Royal Highness has been greatly interested and impressed by the evidences on every hand of the mighty forces at work in this remarkable geyser valley. He was highly amused at the spring which holds up objects thrown into it, and followed the usual tourists’ example of throwing pennies into the water and watching them remain suspended. Springs, mud boxes, and spouting geysers all in turn arrested his attention, and more leisurely enjoyment of the unique experience was possible than on the formal visit of the previous day. This evening the Prince goes to bathe in the Ducfceas Bath, which was opened by bis mother during the Royal visit of 1901.