PRICE OE WAIFS’ TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1920, Page 3

PRICE OE WAIFS’ TOUR

UISTHAI.IAN iV y.2. CARI.I; ASSOCIATION I ROTORUA’S BIG WELCOME. THE MAORI FUNCTION. AUCKLAND. This Day. After two days ol rain and general : ■ discomfort this morning brought beauti- 1 ful (sunshine, though a crisp tinge of. f frost in the air gave a. reminder that i 1 the season was advancing. The people ! responded to (lip brightness of the day 1 and turned out in thousands for the ' piece de resistance of the local visit. This was a grand official welcome fniip all tribes round about (r> his Royal 1 Highness oil Arawa Park. ‘ 1 Thu mercurial spirits of the natives 1 especially rose as the. hour of the Prince’s arrival on the ground approach- ’ ( ed. There way n gathering of at least 15,000 people, Maoris of course largely , predominating. A little after ten , o’clock the Prince, accompanied by Admiral Halsey and staff, arrived, and on 1 alighting at the gates of the Park, the party were challenged by the Ala was and Matua tribes, who performed the ceremony of “Taki” this continuing until the Prince reached the stand. Here i the National Anthem was sung with a . mixture of Maori and English words, making a blend of curiously entrancing effect. The singing was led by representatives of Ngapuhi tribes and pupils, from Hiknrere girls’- school, Teaute Col- ; lege, and Worerengahikn' Bovs’ Coliege. Tlie Prince then took his seat on the stand, and Sir Win, Homes (Native Minister), at the head of a party ol sixty-four chiefs apd c hie ('tail losses, presented an address of welcome with its ivhariki or Maori mat. I The Prince on rising, was grouted with resounding applause and his re- . marks, wvre frequently interrupted by bursts of pleasure and approval, the name of Queen Victoria beiqij parfieuhirlv applauded. j The. (ext of the Prince's reply was as follows: —‘‘Chiefs and people of Aotparoa. Your wplcouie fills pic with gladness (hat following the path of t»y father the King, I am come to see you in vour beautiful land whose loveliness no other laud excolLs, and pride that | you should greet me thus, with loyal, and contented hearts in ancient mat-j tors of form. A mighty war lias slink- | en tlie world since my father came, to this place, Imt. Maori people liav.e hold true to the oath which (hey swore to ( him 11 poll (ho day whop he stood here j your warriors went forth to light and j eiiuquor his enemies in many distant j lands. I, saw and spoke with then); often on the. hard fields of Fra ace.

They fought au<l endury,] most gallantly as Maori warriors ever do and many gave up lile nr health tor the sake of ns, who remain. Their bravery and their sacrifice were seen by ihe King who hade me praise, the Maori people, f«ir their faithfulness and valour, even onto death. Chiefs and people, it is Queen Victoria’s great-grandson who speaks to von to-day, muter her just Governmuei to whirls your faiheis swore fealty at Waitaugi. Eighty years ago the Maori people, secure in their lands found true contentment and peace. Under liis wise guidance, Maori and Pakeha grew ever closer together in understanding and goodwill. I he welfare "and hap|)iuess to which Queen Victoria first led you then, was assured to you in like measure by King .Edward and King George. \ rejoice to hear that your children make good progrpaS in the schools which the King's Government provides .or, you. For tins only can the. youth of Aotearoa, Maori and Pakeha alike, grow up worthy of tins free land and of the mighty lomp.ro to which they belong. For my part 1 wit ever keep before me the pattern o Victoria the Great Queen, whoso heart was with (he Maori people from tlm day on which they swore allegiance to her rule. I have brought you medals from the King for your warriors who fought overseas, and these will he distributed later. T adjure you to care for

thc-lse as valuable memorials, and hand them down to your sons. Chiefs and people, I greet you from my heart and so farewell.” The conclusion of the speech evoked an extraordinary exliibiion of loyal appreciation and was then followed by a long succession of tribal war dances, hakas, dances of welcome (Powhiri) and poi dances.