NORTHLAND MAORIS ARRANGE WELCOME FOR ROYALTY

Grey River Argus, 1 June 1948, Page 7

NORTHLAND MAORIS ARRANGE WELCOME FOR ROYALTY

Abuse of Social Security Strongly Denied P.A. WHANGAREI, May 31. Representatives of the Northland Maori tribes at Rawhiti in Waitangi district before the unveiling oT a war memorial there they decided to ask the Government to extend from lour to eight days the time allowed for Maori people to welcome the Royal 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. Henare, commander of the Maori Battallion. “It is more likely that tne Pakeha welcomes, held every two hours, would bore the distinguished visitors. The traditional ceremonies of the Maoris would tend otherwise. We are asking that eight days be given us, so that we can show our love and devotion towards the Klug, Queen, and Princess Margaret.” Other decisions made by the Tribal Council were that the Marae would be at Waitangi, and that the Maoris would finance the welcome themselves; but if the Government contributed, so much the better. To commemorate those who had served and fallen in two wars a Maori Memorial and Roll of Honour were unveiled, and a memorial dining hall was opened at the Bay of Islands. Tribal representatives from ’Wanganui, Rotorua and Waikato were present. Colonel Henare, translating the speeches of elders of various tribes, said that they all made reference to the recent statement made ty an Auckland Anglican clergyman that the Maoris were abusing the Social Security and Family Allowances. “That the Maoris and Pakehas, after three wars, have joined their forces to promote peace, .and should not break the harmony that now exists,” was the theme of the Maori elders’ remarks. If equal in battle, why not in peace?. + They said it was deplorable that statements should be made bv irresponsible people, which only give rise to unnecessary distress.