SIR JOHN GORST AT TE AWAMUTU.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 7, 7 December 1906, Page 3

SIR JOHN GORST AT TE AWAMUTU.

The Maori Welcome. A considerable number of Maoris journeyed from the King Country to Te Awamutu on Tuesday last to take •part in the welcome to Sir John Gorst. :The visiting party had arrived from ißotorua the previous day, and accompanied by the Hon. G. Fowlds, Sir John,Gorst and Miss Gorst were driven, around the district, viewing the various points of historic interest, well-rerftembered and hallowed by early association, to Sir John Gorst. The weather on Tuesday was very inclement. Rain began in the morning and continued throughout the day. In the 'afternoon a Maori welcome was given to tn"e visitors in Victoria Park. , Among the speakers 'were Tukorehu, H. Hetet and Kerikeha, who all lamented the change in the Native state since Sir John Gorst's departure, and 'extended a hearty welcome to him. Afterwards, in the Town Hall, Mr J. B. Teasdale, Chairman of the Town Board, on behalf of the residents, gave 'the vtsitors a hearty welcome to Te Awamutu. The Hon. G. Fowlds and Mr H. G. Greenslade, M.H.R., also spoke. Sir John Gorst, in replying, thanked them all for their kind welcome, and referring to the-Maoris, exhorted them to live and work in love with their Pakeha neighbours. There was plenty of room and work for both, and for the sake of their children, he advised the Maoris to take advantage of the Pakeha education which would be a lasting benefit to them. The speech was received with loud applause from the Maoris, who then presented their guests with some very handsome mats and kits. Sir John Gorst is to receive an official welcome at Auckland on December 7th, and leaves for Sydney on Monday, December 10th.