“MAN OF TO-DAY”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 103, 14 February 1950, Page 4

“MAN OF TO-DAY”

MAORI WELCOME TO MR. HOLLAND “NIGHT OF TROUBLE OVER” ' \ (P.A.) x AUCKLAND, Feb. 13. In’eloquent speeches Y)f welcome' ■ Maori orators at Ngaruawahia yesterday afternoon described the Prime Minister (Mr S. G. Holland) as the man of to-day and father of the Maori people. Mr Holland was paying his first official visit and attending a reception to Empire Games competitors. He and Mrs. Holland ivere given a stirring traditional welcome when they arrived late in the afternoon. There were halt as and action songs in their honour, as they sat in front of the carved meeting house at Mahinarangi. Tuarau •Wahanui, elder of the Ngati-Maniopoto • tribe, gave an oration, in Maori which was translated. The orator said: ' “The night of trouble is over and the‘dawn has come. We welcome the Prime Minister. Bring us lifegiving waters. You are the father of us all. Look after the young ones and older ones, and make us one people. Welcome, sir, the man of to-day.” Mr N. M. Paora welcomed Mr Holland on behalf of the Northland Maoris. “You come with a new message to the Maori people,” he said. “You are the man who brings hope to the Maori, people. Knowing your history the Maori people can have no misgivings as to the care you will have for them in the years to come.” Mr Holland, in reply, said he hoped the Empire Games visitors would feel that the demonstration of unity between the two peoples ,of New Zealand' was something tfiat completed that spirit of unity seen at the Empire Games. At this time in iserld history it was fitting that the visitors should be given a demonstration that two peoples could live together without anv impediment of language or colour. Mr Holland urged the Maori people to prepare to take part in the next Empire Games in Canadai Pie spoke of the Maoris’ success in Rugby and their bravery in war. He hoped the sun would shine on the Maori people and that goodwill and understanding would prevail. /