Maoris Want To See More Of Royal Family

Chronicle (Levin), 1 June 1948, Page 6

Maoris Want To See More Of Royal Family

; — ; — : — ^7% ... , VVHANGAEEI, May 31. Eepresentatives "'of the ISlorthland Maori tribes, meeting' at Eawhiti in the Waitangi district, before the unveiling of a war memorial there, decided to ask the Goverhment to extend from four to eight days 'the time allowed for the Maori people to welcome the Eoyai family. "The Maoris' are amazed that only four days have been allocated on the score that the ceremonies would be long," said Lieut.-Colonel J. C. Hefiarti, Uommander of the Maori . Battalioii 1 ' It is more likely that the pakeha: welco'mes, held every two hours, would bore the distinguished visitors. The traditional ceremonies t of the Maoris would. tend otherwise. We are askiug that eight days be given us so that wtican show our love h'nd devotion towards. tlie King, Queeh and Princess Mar-! garet." - Other deeisions m^de 'by the tribal council were that the marae would be at Waitangi and that the Maoris wouldfinance the welcome themselves but if the Govennueut contributed so much the better. To commemorate those . wlio had served and fallen in two wa'rs, a Maori war memorial and roU of honour weri? unveiled and a memorial dining hall opened at the Bay of Islands. Tribai representatives from Wanganui, Eoto rua and Waikato were present. Oolonel Henare, translating th>. speeclies of the . elders of variou-' ti'ibes, said they all made referenee to the statement made 'by an Auckland clergymau that the Maoris were abusing social securitv and family allowances. The Maoris and pakehas have joined forces to promote peace. "Do not break the harmony that now exists, " was the theme of their remarks. " If equai w battle, why not in.peace? It is deplor abie that statements should be made by irresponsible people whieh only giv rise to unuecessary, distress. "