“BE STRONG.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3534, 7 September 1926, Page 3

“BE STRONG.”

THE PREMIER’S VISIT TO

LONDON.

ARAWAS’ FAREWELL. The Arawa tribe has sent a farewell letter to the Prime Minister on the eve of his departure for England to attend the Imperial Conference. The letter, which was signed by the leading chiefs on behalf of the tribe, is as follows: — “Greetings to the honoured and loved chief of Aotearoa.

“We have been requested by the rangatiras of the Arawa Canoe to wish you and Mrs Coates, on the eve of your departure, bon voyage across the Ocean of Kiwa from the shores of your beloved New Zealand to England, the home and throne of their revered King and Queen and the cradle of a just and courtly race, with all its noble institutions, traditions, and history. “To Their Majesties King George V. and Queen Mary please convey our warmest regards and aroha, our steadfest loyalty to his illustrious house, and our liveliest pleasure at the near prospect of liieeting yet other members of the Royal Family, the Duke and Duchess of York, Kaati Tena.

“Sir, six years ago, when his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was in Rotorua, the Arawa tribes presented him, among other things, with a model in miniature of a proposed Arawa soldiers’ memorial to be erected in Rotorua. We have pleasure in stating that this memorial will be completed next February, and we would feel it a great honour if the Prince’s brother, the Duke of York, would consent to .unveil the memorial when he comes to New Zealand next year. We therefore ask you to respectfully, on behalf.of the loyal Arawas, to submit this wish to His Majesty the King, and, if he approves, to charge the Duke aeordingly.

“Regarding your important mission, we say: ‘Be Strong!’ we fear not that the mantle of your illustrious predecessors, Seddon, Ward, and your beloved chief, Massey, now on your young and vigorous shoulders, will be worn with the same distinction and honour.

“In conclusion, please remember us to former Governors of the Dominion, to Sir James and Lady Parr, and all friends you may meet in England. Kia ora. Do not tarry long. Return to your canoe.”