THE GOVERNOR & THE MAORIS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1729, 21 April 1913, Page 6

THE GOVERNOR & THE MAORIS.

PRESENTATION 01' A MODEL CANOE. During his visit to Rotorua on Thursday iis Excellency tho Governor, tho Earl of Liverpool,; was presented by tho Maoris with, a beautifully-carved canoe., about lift, in length. It was brought lortli to tho accompaniment of tho incantation, witli which, legend says, the Maoris' ancestors dragged their canoes •to the sea when they set out on their adventures from Hawaiki. Tho following illuminated address was read

\\ elcomo thou stranger from afar, who carno across tho great ocean of Kiwa; welcome thou descendant of ancient nobility, welcome thou representative of our King; welcome tliou warrior as thy fathet wa?, who fought on tho side of tho Arawa. who have always loyally assisted our Empire from tho time of our most-beloved Quetn Victoria down to her soil, King 'Edward tho Peacemaker, and now to King Georgo V, whom we all pvny will follow his father's footsteps and become not a king of war, but of peace. We indulge in the hope that your Excellency will act beneficently toward your Maori subjects. Welcome to Ao-tca-roa, welcome under tho protection and guidance of our Father which art in Heaven, welcome to this Dominion of our King, the sovereignty of which To Arawa assisted to retain. Wo present you with our canoe, 'To Arawa,' of which wo desire you to take command, with every confidence that you will weather all storms and steer her into the haven of repose. Welcome to Rotorua, wclcomo to 'To Araiva.' Wo most heartily wish you and Lady Liverpool all health, happiness, and success throughout your lives. This nil frcra us on behalf of the Arawa tribe."

ITis Excellency, in tho courso of his reply, said he had been most anxious to meet the Maoris on his first visit to tho district. He thanked them most heartily for tho cordial welcome extended to himself and her Excellency nnd for their gift. Ho reminded tho gathering that it was on tho samo spot that the present King and Queen had met so many of tho Maori race when they visited the Dominion, nnd he could assure them tlint both their Majesties had a lively and pleasant recollection of tho loyal and spontaneous greeting accorded them.