THE PRIME MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1926, Page 3

THE PRIME MINISTER

[nY TELEGRAM —PER PIIESS ASSOCIATION.!

GISBORNE, February 15

The Prime Minister spent a quiet day in Gisborne yesterday, and early this morning he left for the East Coast, his intention being to join the Governor-General at Air K. S. AA iltiams’ home at Alatahia for lunch. Afr Coates will have a busy time up the coast. No official functions will take place to-day. To-morrow Mr Coates opens a memorial church at Tikitiki, and unveils a roll of honour. On A) ednesday he opens a Maori Congress. Subsequently he will open the Xgatipornu dairy factory and the RotokauUku bridge across the AVainn. A Inti at Tikitiki will he one ol the most unique gatherings in the history of the native race, and photographs and cinematograph films will he taken hy the Government Publicity Department.

The Prime Alimster and party reached AVaiomatatini this afternoon. They wore met on the marae in front of the meeting house hv about seventy representative Maoris of rank, including many grev-haired veterans. Speeches of welcome were delivered, followed hy the usual native ceremonies. Air Ngata told the Prime Alinistor that the real official welcome Mould be given to-morrow on the other side of the river (meaning Tikitiki). Afr Ngata said the Tikitiki functions would most likely he the last great Hui on the Hast Coast. Hfe (congratulated the Premier on his great election victory, and asked him to give a lead on all Native matters. The Pakelia, he said, has aspirations, hut aspirations just as important are held bv the Alaori. Apologising for the absence of Airs Ngata, he mentioned jocularly that she was in charge of fhe kai at Tikitiki hut. in her name, ho offered Mr Coates the freedom of the house. Afr Coates, in reply, regretted that the great East Const Rnngntira Paratene Ngata. had not lived to be present at the great ceremonies to he held next day. Still Para ten Ngata had life in his son, the Hon A. T. Ngata, ; one who continued to preach the best ideals. That was wanted. Those ideals should lie brought into practice. Both Sir .Maui Pomare and himself realised that the best interest of the country could not he served unless the best interests of the Alaori were taken into consideration.

Later in tiie day. returned soldiers met the Premier at Afatahia. the residence of Afr K. S. AYillinms, and were introduced to the Governor-General, and subsequently discussed with the Premier difficulties besetting the soldier settlers of Hie district.