EARL AND MAORIS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1933, Page 2

EARL AND MAORIS

AN OLD-TIME WELCOME. STRIKING REPLY MADE. TAUPO, February 28. The Earl. Wemyss unexpectedly paid a visit to the courthouse at Taupo just as the Native Land Court was ■about to commence its sitting. The presiding Judge introduced the distinguished visitor, who was accorded a real old-time Maori welcome. Waaka to Araki recited an ancient “karakia,” which, he stated, had been brought by his peaople when they came from Hawaki in the Arawa canoe, and which was used on the reception of visitors of very great importance.

Other ,speakers were Paora Tahau, Paora Rokino, and Pitiroi Mold, who added their tribute of respect and welcome, during which the visitor was described as a “manuhiri-turangi” (a visitor from beyond the skies), and a “kotuku-rerenga tahi” (a white heron which comes only once in a generation). GENEROUS AND UNEXPECTED. The Earl delighted his hosts with Ids speech in reply, in'whiell he said ; —“Descendants of the brave warriors who, after surmounting unheard-of perils, reached this beautiful island in the famous Arawa canoe—-I thank you for a welcome which has been as generous as it was unexpected. “Had the great King for whom we all feel loyalty and devotion known that I should have the honour of addressing you, he would have sent yon a special message, because, like all his subjects, lie has a deep regard and admiration for the Maori Race, some of whom were once such chivalrous enemies and all of whom are now such loyal friendjs and allies. “The British Empire will always remember with gratitude and affection the noble part that the Maoris took and the great f help they voluntarily rendered in the Great War. I came here a year ago and was so enchanted by the beauty of this island, by the charm of its climate, by the hospitality of its people, and *by its resemblance of my own native country— Scotland—that on the first opportunity I have traversed the 12,000 miles that separate us from Britain to revisit this beautiful country.

BONDS OF ATTACHMENT. “If I have not seen as much of New Zealand as I should have wished, it is because the wonderful charms of Taupo have kept me a willing prisoner, reluctant to break the bonds of attachment that bind me to this lovely lake.

“I. gather from the interpreter that one of your distinguished orators 'Suggested that 1 might be able to render some slight service to the Maori people. Should this opportunity ever occur, T should welcome jt, nnd nothing would give me grenter pleasure than to be able to take advantage of it. “From the bottom of my heart 1 thank you for your kindly welcome, which I shall never forget. In conclusion, I venture to express a confident belief that, when much-needed prosperity returns to the world, the Maoris and New Zealanders generally will have that full share to which their industry and shill deservedly entitle them.”