MAORI FAREWELL

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21042, 19 February 1940, Page 6

MAORI FAREWELL

LORD AND LADY GALWAY LOYALTY AND AFFECTION Following the decision of the Waikato and allied tribes not to attend the Waitangi celebrations, an invitation was issued to the GovernorGeneral, Lord Galway, and Lady Galway to attend a farewell gathering in their honour at Ngaruawahia. This invitation was forwarded in King Koroki’s name by Princess Te Puea Herangi. The Waikatos regretted that they could not be present at Lord Galway’s official farewell to the Maori people, but felt that, under the circumstances, the appropriate place in which to say good-bye was their own marae at Ngaruawahia. Princess Te Puea has now been informed by his Excellency that, while he greatly appreciates the invitation, he is unable to accept it. “As you are aware the Governor-General has already said farewell to the Maori people as a whole,” replied Lord Galway’s official secretary, “ and' he feels that it would be inappropriate for him. as the King’s representative, to pay further visits to any sections of the Maori people prior to his leaving the Dominion.” Farewell Address I The Princess, who arrived in AuckI land yesterday to meet Miss Agnes Busby, grand-daughter of James Busby once British Resident at the Bay of Islands, on her return from Waitangi, commented on the decision today. “ The fact that the GovernorGeneral has not accepted our invitation is, naturally, a matter of sincere regret to King Koroki and my peopP. We feel, however, that we must bow to his decision. Nevertheless, we feel that we would like i him to convey to the King our loyal ■ greetings and with it a farewell message for himself and his lady, i “ Our people, therefore, have de- ; Cided to present him with a farewell address, which will be encased in a ' specially carved waka-huia. We trust that his Excellency, even if he 1 cannot honour us with his presence | on our own marae. will see his way I clear to accept this evidence of the ; loyalty and affection of the Waikatos | and the respect in which they hold j his office.”