SIR JAMES CARROLL AT WAAHI.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1187, 24 July 1911, Page 4

SIR JAMES CARROLL AT WAAHI.

WARM WELCOME, DAMP DAY. (By Telceraph-PrcEs Association.) Auckland, July 23. Sir James Carroll arrived iii Huntlj by tho early express on Saturday morning from Wellington, and, in the afternoon, proceeded lo Waahi to attend the Native meeting. On landing at tho settlement, which they reached by launch, the party was met by n guard of honour, consisting of 22 Native constables, and proceeded towards (ho marae. A number of women went in advance with branches of green shrubbery, waving these as an accompaniment to their other gesticulations iu welcoming the visitors to tho murae. Hero the Hon. Mr. Mahuta, Mr. llcnaro Kaihau, M.P., and others wore waiting to receive them. Tho visitors occupied the southern side of the square. The number of adult Natives present was estimated at between COO and 600. About 50 representatives of the various hapus stood in front of their followora, each 'holding a white flag with the name of the hapu inscribed thereon. Tho opposition party, distinguished by a banner, wcro also present under l'apa Kirkwcod. The- welcome- given to tho Minister was most cordial and hearty, but tho rain, which had fallen during the morning, again commenced to coino down heavily, and it was almost impossible lo hear the speeches.

Tho Hon. Mr. Mohuta, in a brief speech, welcomed Sir James Carroll, and said that ho was sure that his presence would help towards the settlement of various points in dispute. Mr. Henaro Kaihan, M.P., and the Acting-Prime Minister then 'addressed the gathering. Sir James Carroll will .return to Wellington by to-night's express.