VISIT TO MAORIS

Southland Times, Issue 22217, 9 January 1934, Page 5

VISIT TO MAORIS

RAROTONGANS ARRIVE.

(Per United Press Association.)

Wellington, January 8.

Six Rarotongan arikis, accompanied by their wives, arrived by the Makura to-day on a visit to their Maori brethren, and will be present at the Waitangi celebrations on February 6. The visitors were welcomed by the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata, Native Minister, who said it was the first time since the arrival of the Maori in this countrj' that such a representative delegation of Rarotongan people had paid a visit at the invitation of the leading New Zealand chiefs. The primary purpose of th visit was to attend the ceremony in the carved meeting house at Tokomaru Bay, erected by Chief Wi Potae, who visited Rarotonga with other Maori chiefs in 1930.

Sir Apirana Ngata said that the Cook Islanders must look more and more to New Zealand for any expansion of their population. The Maoris would doubtless welcome the admixture of blood between the two sections of what was one race. In education particularly the youths of the Cook Islands must look to New Zealand schools.

Mr W. Brown, one of the leading natives, replied on behalf of the visitors.

The party leaves on Saturday for Waitara and subsequently visits the East Coast, Rotorua and Waikato. The young people of the party are giving entertainments.