MAORI WELCOMES

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1929, Page 6

MAORI WELCOMES

FOR BRITISH RUGBY TEAM. • Among the treats in store for the British Rugby football team when it is ..in New Zealand next year are welcomes by the .-.-Maori, people. Having, noted • with satisfaction tnat the Maoris arc to- be given a .special match with the .British players. Sir A. T. Ngata: (Minilister .of Native Affairs) -has-, written as . follows ..to, the; Maori Advisory Board : “Tilth Managemeut. Committee. (N.Z. RiU.) is to be congratulated in this gracious recognition-of - , the unique position of the Maori people in regard to* Rugby football. In order that the team may be entertained in Maori fashion, as seems utting under the circumstances, I suggest that the entertainment of the two teams (both British and Maori) be handed over to the Maori Advisory Board after the match, it should he easy to arrange for dinner a la Maori, and for ail entertainment in one of the large halls, preferably - the Town Hal),-and for.tlre;purpose we icouldi.dxrangerto concentrate .tlie handiest Maori poi and liafca- talent and items by representatives from more distant p&rts, who, will be' attracted. to. Wellington> by .the match. • '“J desireo also.- ito; suggest tlpit: between the 21st and 25th July,, when the team is expected to visit ; and rest itlieniselves at .Rotorua, a briefs Visit to Ngaruawahia be scheduled. Ij have i mentioned", the;-matter do ; Tej Puehiji and she assured; me’ she .and her" peojile .will be -delighted < to have, the visiting oar tv lor a few hours - on their way to. or from Rotorua on any date from the 21st to the 25th July of next year that may be arranged. Tlie letter was brough to the notice of the. .'New. Zealand Rugby .Union’s Management Committee last week, : and. - i.t wasrdeqkled that the suggestions be referred to.:the - comm)ttee.. - in .charge .-.0f.-stihe -.-programme:: .of : -entertainment for.the British team, i.j '' - :,u:ov.r )