NATIVES' WELCOME.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 16 April 1919, Page 2

NATIVES' WELCOME.

maori soldiers feted at manakAxj. , ' Among the members of the Pioneer Battalion who recently returned to New Zealand aro a number of residents of Manakau, Kuku, and Ohau district, and "• the Native residents of that district : organised and held a big function at : tiie Manakau Hall in honour ef the returned soldiers.,,.-'' A? customary, tho : who organised and earned out the whole affair, did things very thoroughly. The arrangements were most j , complete and en a lavish stile, a great j , deal of time and trouble being spent on 1 the preparations. The interior of the i hall was beautifully decorated, platted nikau fronds making a fairy bower of | the hall, while there was a good display i of bunting and flowers. An open invitation was given to all, in the Maoris' I characteristic hospitable style, and ; there was an exceedingly large attendance, the gathering being one of the biggest ever held at Manakau. The great majority of the Maori soldiers from the district were present, also a goodly • number of returned soldiers from all parts of the district. Mr Riri Mahima, on behalf of the Natives of the district, extended a cordial welcome home to the returned soldiers. In a brief address, in the Maori language, Mr Mahima spok9 of the joy they ail felt at the re-turn of their soldier boys, who had done such noble deeds, and of whom they were all so proud. Lieut. Horo Karauti, on behalf of the returned soldiers, returaed thanks, aud addressed the gathering in Maori. •Capt. Pirimi Tahiwi returned kearty thanks to the promoters of the function, and to all present, for the splendid gathering. in their honour. The boys were delighted to bo home, and, naturally, were most grateful for the royal way in which they had been welcomed home and feted.

Lieut, Carkoek also thanked the audience, both Maoris and Europeans, for their reception, and said they had met With nothing bub kindness and hospitality ever since their return, to Aotearoa. Lieut. C'arkeek also addressed tho Maoris separately in their own language.

Mr Howard Andrew, on behalf of the Manakau Patriotic Society and the public of Manakau, heartily thanked tho men who had returned for wliat they had done. The Maoris had done their part nobly and well, and we who had not gone on active service were most grateful to all who had made such

sacrifices for us. The Maoris had helped the Allies to do what was considered impossible, viz., to break the Hindeuburg line. Mr Androw, in conclusion, said he hoped and believed that there would be framed a peace that would make such wars as the past an impossibility in the future. At Mr Andrew's call musical honours were accorded the returned soldiers, wi.th hearty cheers. A feature of the function was the sumptuous supper prepared by the Natives. All present, in many relays, sat down to a most plentiful spread, including sucking pig, poultry of all sorts, fruit salads, trifle, jellies, etc., served in excellent style. The Natives made capital hosts and hostesses, and all were most hospitably treated. The whole function was a brilliant success, and reflected much credit on the Native committee of management, with Messrs Kcreitiana and Childs as secretaries.

Dancing wax indulge* in with great spirit, and though only a very small portion of the big audience could possibly Sad accommodation on the floor at a time, everyone'appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves.