THE MAORI TROUPE'S WELCOME.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13316, 17 January 1912, Page 2

THE MAORI TROUPE'S WELCOME.

REPORTED FRACAS AN EXAGGERATION. [United Press Association.] Auckland, Jan 16. Tho report telegraphed from Auckland regarding Maggie Papakura's reception at Whakarewarewa was exaggerated. There is admittedly a certain amount of feeling against, hsr in connection with the conduct of the troupe, but not sufficient to lead to personal violence. The demonstration at Whakarewarewa was in accordance with the usual Native customs in ■eon- j neetion with tho deaths of those who for practically any reason have been led away from home, when the relatives of the deceased make a display of resentment against the responsible parties. In tho present instance Miriam, the daughter of the late guide Sophia, and sister of Aporo, who died at sea, carried out the custom, menacing Maggie with an umbrella, probably becoming more than ordinarily excited. Mita and Bella were also menaced in the same way for the same reason. When Miriam and her relations were becoming too aggressive they were stopped by their own people.