“BE STRONG.”

Hokitika Guardian, 9 September 1926, Page 4

“BE STRONG.”

THE PREMIER’S VISIT TO LONDON

ARAWA’S FAIIEWEiLU

The Arawa tribe has sent a farewell letter to the Prime Minister on the eve of his departure for England to attend the Imperial Conference. The letter, which was signed by the leading chiefs on behalf of the tribe, is as follows :

“Greetings to the honoured and loved chief of Aotearoa. “We have been requested by the rangatiras of the Arawa Canoe to wish you and Mrs Coates, on the eve of your departure, bon voyage across the Ocean of Kiwa from the shores of your beloved New Zealand to. England, the home and throne of their revered King and Queen and the cradle of a just and courtly race, with all its noble institutions, /traditions, and history.

“To Their Majesties King George V. and Mary please convey our warmest regards and arolia, our steadfast loyalty to his illustrious house, and our liveliest pleasure at the near prospect of meeting yet other members of the Royal Family, the Duke and Duchess of York, Kaati Tena. f “Sir, six years ago, when His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was in Rotorua, tlie Arawa tribes presented him, among other tilings, with a model in miniature of a proposed Arawa soldiers’ memorial to lie erected at Rotorua. We have pleasure, in stating that this memorial will be completed next February, and wo would feel it a great honour if the Prince’s brother, the Duke of York, would consent to unveil the memorial when lie conics to New Zealand next year. We therefore ask you to respectfully, on behalf of the loyal Aniwas, to submit this wish to His Majesty the. King, and, if he approves, to charge the Duke accordingly. “Rcjjtrding your important mission, we say: ‘Re strong!’ We fear not that the mantle of your illustrious predecessors, Seddon, Ward, and your beloved chief, Massey, now on your young and vigorous shoulders, will lie worn with the same distinction and honour. “In conclusion, please remember ns to former/Governors of the Dominion, to Kir .Tames and Lady Pmt, and all friends you n«iy meet in England. Kiaora. Do not tarry long. Return to vour canoe.”