MAORI HUMOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1928, Page 8

MAORI HUMOUR

LOUD LOVAT AT ROTORUA. ARA AV A CHIEF’S SPEECH. ‘ ROTORUA, Oct. 11. Lord Lovat and party, who arrived at Rotorua last night, were entertained ’by the natives to-day, on which occasion Afita I’aupopaki made the following speech: “Alita Taupopaki, veteran Chief of the Am was, in happy vein, in extending a cordial welcome to the distinguished visitor, reminded him that although he (Lord Lovat) hailed from Scotland, lie was not the first or even the second Scotchman to come to New Zealand. A great number had preceded him, Alita said, and amongst this fine race, the Maoris had many staunch and true friends. In his important mission, he trusted that Lord Lovat would see that more people would find their way to this country. The Ala or is had a-few more acres left! He would be glad to give some of them to settle Scotchmen on. The Alaoris, be said, were on the “platform of departure to the unknown realms of night,’’ and nothing would l\e more pleasant to them than to know that 'his beautiful land, discovered by them more than twenty generations ago, would house men and women of good British stock. “Lord Lovat,” said Alita. “will find his countrymen in every place he visits in New Zealand,, and he will also notice the emblem » F Scotland—the Scotch thistle —in evidence everywhere, which; <>t "nurse is only to be expected. Not many years ago the Government seriously considered the question of puffing the Scotch thistle in the same obiss as-the Californian thistle and the blackberry, but there were too manv patriotic Scotch influences in the Cabinet, so the* thistle was saved * from ignominous destruction and to-day it ru-i'/o'l ns the storehouse of luscibits grass, ..which grows in safety under its protecting leaves For the winter time when that commodity is scarce—surely one of the virtues of your rawprovision for a rainy day; but, T regret to say, not a ■virtue of mine! So there you are, my lord! Anything with Scotch is good—'’Scotchmen, the Switch something, and Scotch something else—particularly the last in this (vld and wintry weather.” Alita continued: “I can tpnee many tilings in common between you and me the kilt and the nui nui : the trite' and the clan ; hosnitality, loyalty, aim 1 pride of race ; love of our women folk and children, and, sharing these things,' can von Wonder that our respect, goodwill and affection are yours. Will you please convey to His Maiestv, the King, (to ■fiie't not of the British Empire, but of the world, and hi® Royal house, our fealty and Aroha! We' wish von and your mission every success! v Afay your visit add further, lustre in justification of the claims that where British institutions live, based as they are on Christian* ideals, life is safe,' life is good, life Ts happy, and freedom without license is the treasure of all. Farewell!” His Lordship, in thanking Ati ta for bis cordial welcome, stated that the Alaoris of New Zealand held the admiration of the British for their courage bn land and sea. He said: “The font of discovering Aotearoa in their frail crafts, over great spaces of the trackless ocean—that -performance will always .have a high place in history. The part their sons took in the late war touches the chords of hereditary. courage and sacrifice for Hie great ideals of life "• 1 - they gallantly fought for Gallipoli and on the Plains of Flanders!” He thanked the performers for then* very fine entertainment, which he himself and his party had immensely enjoyed. concluded: “I wish you all continued health and happiness. Kia Ora J” The party left this morning, after a visit to the Whaka sights, for Waiatpu, where the Government plantations will be inspected. Thence they go from Wairakei to Napier.