SIR ARTHUR GORDON AT ROTORUA.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 916, 9 February 1881, Page 2

SIR ARTHUR GORDON AT ROTORUA.

His Excellency the Governor does not seem to have been successful in gaining goodwill at Rotorua from either Maoris or Europeans. When at Ohinemutu, he went down to see Tama te Kapua, a large Maori house, and while there a daughter of Paora te Amohau, one of the leading chiefs, came forward, and held out her hand to shake hands. His Excellency declined, keeping his hand down by his side. The Maori lady, who has been accustomed to shake hands with Governors, was very indignant. On Monday night a ball was given, at which all the Europeans and most of the Maoris of the district were present. It was hoped that His Excellency might have visited the ball-room during the evening, but when invited he brusquely declined. It was arranged that he should go to the Terrace Hotel, at Rotomahana, which is in connection with the Lake House, at Rotorua, but at the last moment the intention was changed, and he went to the other house. It seems that through this dire offence was given to one section of the Natives. The Terrace Hotel belongs to the Tuhourangi, while the other establishment is under charge of the Ngatiminitai. Te Kepa, of Tuhourangi, on hearing that the Governor proposed to go to tha rival establishment, after preparations had been made for him at the Terrace Hotel, declared he would do nothing to give him a reception. Such are the statements we have from Rotorua.