THE PRIME MINISTER.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19457, 22 December 1934, Page 7

THE PRIME MINISTER.

VISIT TO ROTORUA. WARM WELCOME FROM.MAORIS. ROTORUA, Friday. In his new capacity as Minister of .Native Affairs, the Prime 'Minister. Hon. G. W. Forbes, received a warm welcome at Ohinenuitu this afternoon from representatives of the Maori tribes throughout New Zealand, ,who have assembled to greet the Duke of Gloucester. The usual, ceremonial of dances and songs was postponed until the evening, when a complete rehearsal of -to-morrow’s ( programme was given on the marae, under electric lights, for the Prime Minister’s benefit and that of tiie party of officers from H.M.A.S. Australia. Tiie leaders’ speeches, which occupied more than an hour, included t picturesque Maori imagery mixed with references to practical affairs. Mr Forbes’ Reply. Mr Forbes, in his reply, said it was true, as some speakers had said, that the -'Government 'had pared down expenditure in bringing tribal representatives to the welcome, but this had been in accordance with the wish expressed by the King. “ As regards my position as Native Minister," continued Mr Forbes, “ I took over tiiat portfolio as Prime Minister in order to assure the Maori people that the policy of land settlement commenced and carried on so well by Sir Apirana Ngata would be continued, and everything possible I would be done to establish the Maori ! people ,on their own land and safe- ! guard their welfare. Mr Forbes reminded his hearers that all classes of the community were having a difficult, time and - assured I them that he would have the full 'help i of Sir Apirana Ngata, who would tell | them that he, Mr Forbes, had hacked | him in having the settlement schemes 1 commenced and had helped him in J carrying them on. He was also asI sured of the assistance of the other i Maori and European members in trying to make the path of the Maori people as smooth as possible.