THE MAORI DEPUTATION.

Kumara Times, Issue 2534, 5 August 1884, Page 2

THE MAORI DEPUTATION.

The London correspondent of the Argus writes under date June 13th : Tawhiao and his chiefs are still “ starring ” in London. They create a mild sensation when they appear in the crowded streets, but are not run after like Cetewayo was. Were they to wear their national costume—a blanket thrown loosely over the shoulder and a flax mat round the loins—they would be more appreciated by the gamins of London. In the sable costume which they consider to be the height of fashion, they look like animated figures out of some provincial waxworks exhibition, The “King” intimated that he would be “ at home ” in his boarding-house at Montague place, from 11 to 1 o’clock each day, and this announcement was pretty generally interpreted to mean that Maoris would be “on view” between those hours. They were accordingly overwhelmed with visitors, but when Tawhiao desires to shorten an interview he sends away bis interpreter, a device which has been found very effectual in clearing the room of inquisitive interviewers. But though the number and kind of callers have worried the Maoris somewhat, they have been very much amused thereby. One lady wished to introduce her daughter, who can sin<* a Maori song in the native tongue, but the offer was declined. Another had got a mat fit for the King to sit on. She said she had been told that it was made for that special purpose, and His Majesty might have it for the trifling snm of 100 guineas. Also declined with thanks. An enterprising tailor offered to clothe the whole embassy from top to toe gratis, and to supply further orders at half price. This offer very much offended the chiefs, and was curtly declined. Another caller sent up a card with merely his name on it, and was very indignant when he was not granted an interview. His mission was understood to be ■ the conversion of' the Maoris, and to make arrangements for their appearance in public as members of the Salvation Army. The deputation have been devoting much more time to pleasure than business. Notwithstanding the warnings they received before leaving home they have evinced a decided partiality for theatrical performances, and the ballet especially gratifies them. They have visited the Zoological Gardens (at which they were greatly delighted), St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey; the Savage Club (where they adhered to their temperance principles in spite of temptation); and all except Tawhiao, who is suffering from an inflated eye, have lunched with the

Lord Mayor, after having had an interview with the committee of the Aborigines’ Protection Society at the Man-sion-house. The political objects of their mission have not been ranch advanced. The deputation will probably remain in England for about two months. They are understood to be already tired of city life, though gratified at the hospitality shown them, and to be willing to return to their native wilds at once, if the political objects of their mission had been accomplished. The chiefs were yesterday shown over the Houses of Parliament by Mr Gorst. Tawhiao was greatly delighted with the throne in the Lords, and with the battle pictures, but did not seem impressed with the proceedings in the Commons. By his own request the King had Mr Gladstone and other leading members of the Government pointed out to him.