1869 Old newspapers give fascinating glimpses of A Royal Visitor in Troubled Times ‘Be assured that the Queen will receive with no little satisfaction the account of my reception amongst you, proving as it does that her feelings towards her Maori subjects are met on their part by the most devoted and loyal attachment to Herself, her Throne and Family.’ These Words of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, were spoken in reply to a loyal address from Maori chiefs who had welcomed him as he sailed into Wellington Harbour aboard the Galatea in 1869. The first Royal Visit to New Zealand occurred in dark times: King Tawhiao and Te Kooti were both still under arms. While the Prince was in New Zealand fighting was in full swing. During the Prince's visit King Tawhiao made some moves to meet him, but too many difficulties stood in the way. The Duke of Edinburgh received tokens of profound loyalty and attachment from the loyal tribes. At Wellington, a welcome and loyal address were given him by Ngati-Toa, Ngati-Awa, Ngati-Raukawa, Whanganui, Ngati-Kahungunu, Ngati-Porou. Maori chiefs from all parts of the Island also met him in Auckland, at a large Government House reception. By browsing through old newspapers it is possible to obtain entertaining glimpses of this first Royal Visit and the way the Duke was welcomed by the Maori warriors of that time. Let us look, for instance, at the files of the Wellington Independent and read the report of the Wellington welcome. Representatives of the loyal tribes had gathered at Wellington wharf to welcome the Duke. These tribes had supported the British Queen throughout the wars, and suffered many casualties in her service. The first meeting with a representative of the Royal Family was a great event to them. This was in the times when European influence had not yet softened down the ferocity of the welcome haka. How the Maori welcome to the Prince appeared to the Europeans present is eloquently described in the Wellington Independent of April 13, 1869:

THE LANDING ‘We are all standing in suspense when suddenly the boom of the Galatea's gun is heard. It is the salute for the Duke, who is about to leave the Royal vessel. All is now expectation. The Maori band who face the edge of the wharf begin to move their arms and limbs, the rest of us press forward to get good places. Nearer and nearer comes the sailor Prince. The excitement of the Maoris becomes uncontrollable. They gesticulate, they dance, they throw their weapons wildly in the air, while they yell like fiends let loose. But all this fierce yelling is of the most friendly character. They are bidding the Duke welcome. “Haere mail Haere mail” they yell and the boat's crew seem profoundly puzzled to know what on earth they mean.’ On the night of the Prince's arrival there was a grand civic ball in his honour. All Wellington's notables were present: the number of dancers was such that there was no hall in Wellington large enough to accommodate them. The halls of the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives were therefore appropriated for the purpose. It is interesting to see how the Maori chiefs joined with the pakeha in entertaining the Duke of Edinburgh