II. THE DUKE MEETS A FAMOUS CHIEF

Te Ao Hou, Royal Tour 1953, Page 21

II. THE DUKE MEETS A FAMOUS CHIEF On June 14, at ten o'clock, the Royal coach started for Ohinemutu. The welcome party here was lead by Pokiha Taranui, of the Ngati-Pikiao, known better to the pakeha as Major Fox, carrying the sword of honour—a large, handsome claymore—presented to him by Queen Victoria for his brilliant services. Kneeling, facing the Duke and Duchess, they swung their weapons in perfect time, chanting in perfect unison together, the chiefs marching up and down in front of the lines leading the measure with martial gesture. Old Pokiha brandished his claymore, and they shouted their words with stentorian power and unanimous emphasis.

After the ceremony, the tribal presents were offered by Pirini Mataiawhea. The Duke and Duchess bowed low, and the Duke thanked the Arawa warmly for their gifts. Strolling back between the lines of the warriors, Their Royal Highnesses found old Pokiha seated on a chair, his exertions having been too much for him. The veteran at once stood to attention, and was presented. In the course of conversation he handed over his bright sword of honour for the visitors to admire, and when the Duchess, in her kindly way, found fault with him for Pohika Taranui (Major Fox) coming out from his sickroom into the rigorous weather at his time of life, he proudly declared that his love for the Royal Family was so great he could not stay at home. No empty phrase this, for in a few weeks the loyal old soldier was dead. He, too, made his present to the Duke, an ancient, elaborately carved ‘toki’ (adze) with greenstone blade, handing it to the Royal visitor with stately grace. The Duke, who was wearing in his hat a huia feather presented to him on his arrival at Tama-te-Kapua, accepted the ‘toki’ with cordial thanks, and kept it in his hand, not putting it with the heap of presents made by the tribe. The Duke wore the feather and carried the ‘toki’ throughout the Rotorua celebrations, the Maoris greatly appreciating this respect for the badge of chieftainship and for the weapon of many traditions.