M.C.C. TEAM

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 494, 30 March 1933, Page 6

M.C.C. TEAM

ARRIVAL IN ROTORUA MAORI AND CIVIC WEJLCOME EXTENDED AT WHAKA MANAGER'S HAPPY SPEECH In the picturesque surroundings of the Whakarewarewa model pa the touring English cricket team wa)s accorded a civic reception to Rotorua and a typically Maori welcome on arrival from Wairakei late yesterday afternoon. The party was met on. arrival by His Worship the Mayor, Mr. T. Jackson, Mr. L. J. Bayfeild, district manager of the Tourist Department, Mr. D. W. Steele, president of the Rotorua Cricket Association and Mita Taupopiki repreisenting the natives of Whakarewarewa. Welcoming the visitors on behalf of both the Pakeha and Maori residents of Rotorua, Mr. Jackson said that apart from having the honour of welcoming them to the town it gave him additional pleasure as a fellow Englishman, who had now made his home in this, his adopted eountry. He pointed out to them that (Rotorua was unique by the fact that probably in no other town in New Zealand and probably in the British Empire did the European and native population live together with greater bqrmony, each exercising the same rights and privileges. In conclusion the mayor expressed the hope that although their stay was very ishort, they would fully enjoy the visit to the town. After a welcome poi had been given by the assembled Maori maidens and warriors, chief Mita Taupopoki delivered a 'brief address. He said he was honoured to welcome the distinguished visitors from England particularly as they were upholders of the great game of cricket. Their arrival in Rotorua had undoubtedly raised its prestige and he was- pleased to be able to associate his people with the welcome which had been extended to the visitors by the Government of New Zealand. The speaker created amusement when he said that seeing that the team were all young men he felt sure they would derive pleasure from being guided through the reserve by the Maori maidens and by cautioning them that to enjoy this to the full each . must keep as far away from their guide a'a possible. Replying on behalf of the members of the team, Mr. "P'lum" Warner,

joint manager of the team, extended thanks for the delightfuil Welcomje which had been received and said that the reference to them as distinguished visitors they accepted as a "high compliment. "I oannot claim any longer to be a young man," said Mr. Warner, "but I can assure you that I have no objection to being conducted through the reserve by one of these Maori maidens. "We are pleased to see something of a distinguished race. We are rnerely cricketers but your race have gained a reputation in the field of Rugby Lootball and in a recent tour of England had a distinguished representative in George Nepia.. "I, myself, am no stranger to the Dominion but am delighted to be here again and I have no doubt that the other members of the party are just as pleased. They however, will probably be able to do more justice to he romantic walk, which is- to follow 'his reception." Following further poi dances and after photographs had been taken of the cricketers and the Maori party :he vistors were conducted through the thermal region and later were taken :o their hotel.