MAORI WAR GIFT TO THE KING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1827, 16 May 1918, Page 3

MAORI WAR GIFT TO THE KING.

London, March It), The Joint War Committee of tho British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem hate just received what will probably be. one of the most interesting gifts that has reached them (cables the Post’s London correspondent). It. consists of a sum of money —£282 fls Id —which was collected by certain. Maori, tribes in New Zealand and sent by them to the King with a letter. On receipt of the money, the King, after due consideration, decided that it should be given to the funds of the Red Cross, and it has now accordingly reached headquarters in Pall Mall. “PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE.” ‘ The letter which accompanied the gift in very interesting and original, and the following translation is given:— “To His Most Gracious Majesty King George V.: * “We, the undersigned, give you greetings. , “Under the great pressure and strain and endurance of this great war, we your people in this far away land, are making every effort to keep our end up in supporting our brothers in this great struggle. Here we attach a bank draft for £282 9s Id, collected by your people to scud to you to distribute as you think fit in connection with dealings in warfare.

“The following are the names of the places which have contributed to 4his gift: Otaki, Manakau, Ohau, Horowhenua, and Parautawhao, and following are the tribes concerned in contributing this gift: Ngatiraukawa, Ngatawehiwehi, Mateawa, Ngatikapu, and Ngatihuia. “We further greet you with every good Avish, and pray that God pro-! tect you and your people under tho British flag.

“Remaining ever your loyal friends and subjects, “TaingauakaAva Tewaharva, Honoilo Hanapiri, Here Nekilini. “P.S. —On receiving this letter, please acknoAvlcdgc and address to Honoilo Hanapiri and Rore Nckitini, Levin, Wellington Province, Ncav Zealand.