A MAORI DISPLAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2270, 15 August 1908, Page 2

A MAORI DISPLAY.

METHODS OF NAVIGATION. [Piiess Association.] AUCKLAND, August 14. Surrounded by a warmly interested gathering of Maoris, the big native canoe Tahereti'kitiki was put together near the rowing sheds on the King’s Drive this morning. Tile craft, which was displayed at the Christchurch exhibition, was brought back to Auckland in sections, and considerable delay lias ensued on its reconstruction. After lunch to-day, the canoe, manned by GO warriors from the Waikato, and with it another. craft of smaller dimensions, the Tehiki, with 42 oars, left its temporary moorings on . a cruise around the visiting warships. The two craft proceeded right round the fleet, and hailed each of the vessels with characteristic greetings of typical Maori warmth, meeting with a hearty response from the bluejackets. In charge of the Talieretikitiki was King Mahuta, while Kiri Opa, a noted chief, captained the loluka The sight of the primitive canoe ranged up beside the mighty battleships appealed to the beholder in more senses than one, and no small interest was taken by tlie American visitors m witnessing tlie representation, by the Maoris of the methods of navigation which prevailed centuries ago. The hearty greeting extended to the visiting sailors in the Maori tongue were, of course, understood by few on the battleships, but one and all were easily appreciate the heartiness in which tlie welcome was extended .

THE ADMIRAL’S GOOD-BYE. A FAREWELL MESSAGE. [Press Association.] "AUCKLAND, August 14. Admiral Sperry, in a farewell message to the people of New Zealand, says that the reception accorded the fleet lias been hearty, and cordial beyond expression, and cannot fail to draw closer the ties of common race and common interests in the Pacific. LEGISLATORS RETURN. THE MAIN TRUNK TRIP. [Prebs Association.] AUCKLAND, August 14. The Primo Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) and members of both Houses, who have been in Auckland for fleet week, will leave on the return trip to Wellington on Monday night at 10 o’clock. The journey will bo made via the Main Trunk railway overland all the way.

UNITED STATES FRIENDSHIP. PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S CABLE United Peess Association. Copyright (Received August 14, 9.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, August 13. Admiral Sperry cabled to President Roosevelt that the New Zealand Government and people had accorded the fleet a most enthusiastic reception, and also that Sir Joseph Ward presented him with a beautiful token for President Roosevelt with an invitation to visit the Dominion.

President Roosevelt, in, reply, cabled Admiral Sperry that lie was greatly pleased with tho telegram He said: “Convey to Sir Joseph Ward my hearty. thanks, and express the sincere regard, friendship, and admiration the people of the United States entertain for the people of Now Zealand. Extend my. congratulations to the fleet.” AUSTRALIA’S WELCOME. PARLIAMENT ADJOURNS. United Press Association. Copyright LONDON. August 13. Many Australian bankers and merchants have jointly cabled to Mr. Deakin desiring to be associated with Australia’s welcome to the American fleet. SYDNEY, August 14. Parliament has adjourned over fleet week.