MAORI BROADCAST

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 112, 9 February 1928, Page 12

MAORI BROADCAST

FINAL SCENES. The conclusion of the special late broadcast by radio station 2YA, Wellington, of the Maori entertainment in commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, at 2 o’clock yesterday morning, was made the occasion for felicitous speeches. Mr. Hamiora Hakopa, leader of the Maori party, which came from Wanganui, spoke in apprecitive terms Of the speech made by the Prime Minister (Rt. iton. J. G. Coates), in connection with the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty. Mr. Coates, in responding, said that all matters affecting the' welfare of the Maori race were of immediate concern to him. He spoke eulogistically of the Maoris and his long association with them. lie referred to the excellent work of Sir Maui Pomare, member of the Executive Council representing the Native Race, who at 'all times was ready to help, advise, and interpret the wishes of the Maori people. Mr. R. Ritchie, as joint organiser of the Maori entertainers, with Mr. H. Mete Kingi, called for cheers for the Prime Minister and Sir Maui Pomare, which were lustily given. Mr. Hakopa also expressed the sincere appreciation of the party for the hospitality extended to them by Mr. A. R. Harris, general manager of the Radio Broadcasting Company, and as an expression of their gratitude asked Mr. Harris to accept as a souvenir a gold and ribbon albert, suitably inscribed, with a Maori-carved greenstone tiki pendant. Miss Mangu Tahana handed to Mr. Harris the presentation albert. Mr. Harris complimented the performers on their splendid entertainment, which had proved so appropriate for such an historic occasion. He also said the broadcasting staff, through their admirable co-operation, had contributed in no small measure to the success of tlie broadcasts. _ During their stay in Wellington, the Maoris were conveyed by a sightseeing motor-bus, provided by the Broadcasting Company, to all the places of interest around Wellington. They were entertained yesterday afternoon bv Sir Maui Pomare at his residence at Western Hutt. Last evening the Maori party assembled at the wharf to bid au revoir to Mr; Harris, as he was leaving for the south by the Wahine. Maori songs were sung, and as the ship pulled out a vigorous haka wns danced by the male members of the party. The Maoris will leave for their homes in Wanganui by express this morning.