A MAORI WELCOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11594, 12 January 1916, Page 3

A MAORI WELCOME.

RETURN OF TUAHIWI SOLDIERS

AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING

Private Henare H. Piper and Pri-

vate T. Gibson (a pakeha who enlisted from Tuahiwi) were accorded a great reception yesterday, on their return from the front. Private Piper arrived by the midday train at Kaiapoi. A Maori welcome in the form of a powhiri was given by Mrs Hutika Croft, and the Mayor of Kaiapoi (Mr J. H. BlackBlaekwell) welcomed the soldiers. The proceedings were continued later at' Tuahiwi. On the arival ol the visitors they were received with a powhiri, given by a number ol wahmes in Maori costume. Then a short tangi was held in remembrance of the Tuahiwi lads, Nopere. Moko Moko, 'Waiter© Mahinera, (Manning) and Poaka Whitau, who had fallen at tln> front.

Afterwards the company sat down to luncheon, Mr Thomas Green, chairman of the Maori Committee, presiding. The principal guests were the two Tuahiwi soldiers, other returned soldiers of the district, tho Mayor of Kaiapoi (Mr 3. H. Blackwell) and Mrs Blackwell, the Rev J. Holland and Mrs Holland, and a number of residents of the district.

The chairman, after extending a hearty welcome to the visitors, referred to tile exploits of the New Zeaianders at the Dardanelles, saying that they must have been imbued with the spirit of the Spartans, who fought on almost tho same ground many centuries ago.

I The toast of " The Army and Navy" was proposed ,by Mr T. Cutler. In responding Private H. D. Cookslcy. said that the greatest honour was to be able to servo the Empire. He praised the bravery of. the Maori soldiers, and paid a, tribute to the brotherly feeling existing between tb'o forces of the Empire. The Mavor of Kaiapoi prooosed the health of'"Our Guests." Mr Blackwell said he thought that on .a population basis Tuahiwi occupied the first place of honour in regard to the number of men sent to the front. These men had upheld the traditions of their warrior forefathers. Even the most optimistic never expected them to make their names as famous as they had done. The King, Sir lan Hamilton and Lord Kitchener had stated that the exploits and daring of the New Zealand soldiers had never been excelled. Private Piper was one of the first to respond to the call, and ou account of his heroism he now bore honourable scars. The people of the district all joined in hoping that he and his comrades would soon regain their health and strength. One thing, that the war had accomplished was to bind together more closely than ever the Maori and the pakeha. The speaker concluded by paying a tribute to the memory of the gallant men who would never come back from the shores of Gallipoli.

The toast was' drunk with musical honours and a vigorous haka of welcome war? given by the wahines. Messrs Taitahua,, Te Aike. S. Reuben and Flutey expressed the feelings of the Natives 1 , principally in the Native tongue. The Rev J. Holland, speaking on behalf of the Rev C A. Fraer, who is now in England assisting in the establishment of a hospital for wounded Maoris, also heartily greeted the returned men. On behalf of the Tuahiwi residents Privates Piper and Gibson were each presented-with a shaving outfit.'

The last toast, ' The Boys in the Trenches." proposed by Mr Hapo Urn \yas drunk entliusiastir.il Jy and'was followed by the battle v cry of the Maoris. Songs, choruses and Maori dances were given betwee" the speeches, the function closing with the singing: of " Auld Lang Syne" and tho National Anthem.

The gathering was a most enjoyable one. and its management by the women of the. pa, led by Mrs C. A. Fraer, was highly creditable to all concerned.