PREMIER ON TOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1926, Page 9

PREMIER ON TOUR.

BAY OF PLENTY DISTRICT. UNIQUE MAORI FUNCTION. A MEMORIAL CHURCH. By Telesrauh.—Press Association. Gisborne, Last Night. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) spent a quiet day in Gis■borne yesterday, and early this morning he left for the East Coast, his intention being to join the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) at the home of Mr. K. S. Williams. M.P.. at Matahiia, for lunch.

Mr. Coates will have a busy time along the coast. No official functions took place to-day. To-morrow Mr. Coates will open a memorial church at Tikitiki and he will unveil a roll of honour. On Wednesday he will open a Maori eon gress and subsequently will open the Ngatiporou dairy factory ami Rotokautuku bridge across the Waiau A hui at Tikitiki will be o’ e of the most unique gatherings in the history of the native race, and photographs and cinematograph films will be taken by the Government Publicity Department. The Prime Minister and party reached Waiomatatini this afternoon. They were met in front of the meeting-house by about seventy representative Maoris of rank, including many grey-haired veterans. Speeches of welcome were delivered, followed by the usual native cere monies.

Mr. Ngata told the Prime Minister that the real official welcome would be given to-morrow on the other side of the river (meaning Tikitiki). Mr. Ngata said the Tikitiki functions would most likely be the last great hui on the East Coast. He congratulated the Premier on his great election victory, and asked him to give a lead, on all native matters. The pakeha, he said, had aspirations, but aspirations just as important were held by the Maori. Apologising for the absence of Mrs. Ngata, he mentioned jocularly that she was in charge of the kai at Tikitiki, but in her name he offered Mr. Coates the freedom of his house.

Mr. Coates, in reply, regretted that the great East Coast rangatira, Paratene Ngata, had not lived to be present at the great ceremonies to be held next day. Still, Para ten e Ngata had left in his son, the Hon. A. T. Ngata, one who continued to preach the best ideals. What was wanted was that those ideals should be brought into practise. Both Sir Maui Pomare and. himself realised that the best interests of the comltry could not be served unless the best interests of the Maori were taken into consideration.

Later in the day returned soldiers met the Premier at Matahiia, the residence of Mr. K. S. Williams. They were introduced to the Governor-General, and subsequently discussed with the Premier the difficulties besetting the soldier settlers of the district.