Lord Ranfurly and the Maoris.

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume V, Issue 1330, 19 May 1905, Page 2

Lord Ranfurly and the Maoris.

A Graceful Action

Lohd Eanfoblv recently hud a medal struck in commemoration of his visit lo : the Urewera country in March, 1904, and has sent ono to each of tho Maori chiefs whom he met atEtwoki on March 17th, as yell as to each member of the party that accompanied him, The medal is silyer, of oval shape, and bears the insciption in Maori op.tbe obvoi'se and reverse | sides,

Tho lbttof which acoompanied Lord Eaiifurly's gifts to the chiefs is as follows: —" My friends, greetings. I send, but a small and iusignifioant token as a rcnioinberance of a limo passed in Tuhooland. Never shall I forgei your grand forest, mountains and rivers, or the hospitality and kindness of my Maori fiionda. Though the sea of Kiwa separates ns, still ray spirit now is with you, and I look back with . deep iotorest to that, memorable meeting, to our serious talk of what Would bo me best for your people, for tbo development of your land, for tho building of suitable whares for your sous when they are marriedj for tho education of your ehildron, and preparing thorn to take a place not behind thoßO of 'heir pitkoha fellow countrymen Boliovo "me that the interest I VjoU in you is not one jot abated by tho distance that separates us. May ttri'B small token re* miud you of me, and of the years uiaiie pleasant, to me by your loyalty and goodi will. To your Sovereign I gave in porson the message that you sent him, and ho expressed his pleasure at tho samp. To tbo Princo of Wales, who ts Mo of lork visited you, I also personally expressed your friendship and good feelings, and he, as well as bis Mrjosty, showed tlio deepest intorestinyourraoe and in your welfare. Farewell for the present, ray friends, and though out of sight may 1 still be in your minds,"