“THE BIG CANOES.”

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1925, Page 1

“THE BIG CANOES.”

AII.\WAS I’AV A VISIT. AUCKLAND, August 21. In beautiful weather, a large party ol Maoris of the Arawa tribe paid a visit to the Hagship of the Rattle Fleet, the California. The event was unique, and no elfort was spared by the officers and men to give their guests a good time. Parties were conducted on sight-seeing expeditions all over the giant warships, alter which titev were the guests ol Admiral Robin-ani in his messroom. win*re an official orchestra played two .selections. In a speech which was translated by Mr Tai .Mitchell, the Admiral made the Maoris heartily welcome. They had 'given him a wonderful time in Rotorua. and he was pleased to lie able to act as host to them in return. 1 lie ic.cn.” he said, “will be mainly interested in the ships, the girls, though, will Ik* mainly interested in the men. He introduced them to his own special mascot, a very friendly bulldog answering to the mime of “.Mack.” and went on to describe his quarters. He pointed out a framed picture ol the Hood, which had been presented to him at a luncheon in San Francisco, while Admiral Field had received a similar one of the California. The ladies of the party were presented with souvenir hat hands by the Admiral’s special orders. HEARTS LI .NEED. Chief Mita Taupopoki replied with an inspiring address in Maori, which Dr P. If. Ruck Iranslated. They were delighted, hi* said, to he able to visit the Admiral in his big war canoe. Ho thanked him for extending the invitation. and also thanked the Covorument for seeing that the visit was carried out. Turning to Admiral Robison he said. •\Ye heard you in our own home, and your words were good. Me know von arc a good man.” Time and again speeches were interrupted tor three or tour minutes while tin* Arawas applauded with cheers and lmkas. Dr I fuck then presented to the Admiral eight pipes to he distributed one to each of the eight big war canoes. The gifts were to symbolise the eight canoe ropes in the old .Maori legend, and were to hind the hearts of the Arawas fast for ever to the heart of the great American people. The Admiral thanked Hie Arawas for tin* gifts, ami said lie would certainly see that their wishes w<*re carried out. A JOYOUS SC EXE. On deck the party gave several poi dances and snugs, and were recalled again and again. OHicers and men thronged the decks, while a crowd of bluejackets perched themselves on .one of the big gun turrets and enjoyed every minute of the perloinianee. When at last, tin* men consented to let the performers stop, the Admiral ordered the hand to strike up, and officers and girls danced on the deck. Cameras were much in evidence, and Admiral Robison was snapped with pe tty Maori girl-, nullities and the old chief, smiling and thoroughly enjoying himself. An enjoyable visit ended shortly after noon, when the visitors left to go aboard the West Virginia.