A MAORI IN KILTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 35, 24 January 1912, Page 3

A MAORI IN KILTS.

A HEART-RENDING OUTRAGE AT WAVERLEY. HORRIFIED . HIGHLANDERS. The Waverley correspondent of the Patea “Press” writes as. follows: We have seen Maoris dressed in all sorts and conditions of outlandish garbs and colours, but never have we seen so incongruous a dross as that worn by a Maori boy on Friday. It was a full set of kilts, buckled shoes, tartan stockings, kilt and plaid sporan, velvet jacket, and cap and feather complete. Scotchmen failed to find words to express their consternation, but the gaily-clad youth appeared more than satisfied with himself and his dress, to say nothing of his proud parents.

A number of the Scotchmen of Waverley have got wind of this astonishing piece of information and have formed themselves into a committee called “The Kilts Protection League.” The League met on Saturday night, there being present: Messrs D. McDonald (in the chair), D. McFleming, W. McDonald, W. McWilson, H. W. McJames, W. Mcßobertson, A. McDixon, and Captain McJohnston.

The chairman said that the matter was one of tho gravest and called for immediate attention. Strong measures would have to be adopted if the Maoris persisted in wearing kilts. Mr D. McFleming said that this wearing of kilts by a Maori was the most ridiculous piece of nonsense he had ever heard of. When he first came to Waverley the natives were quite happy in dungarees and shirt and there was ’ no reason why they should depart from that costume. If they didna’ leave off the kilts he proposed that the member for the district be asked to use his endeavours to put through a Bill making the wearing of kilts by Maoris a penal offence.

Mr W. McDonald: “What’s the use of Bills? I’d tear the kilts off them.”

At this stage the meeting got a trifle out of hand and had to be called to order by the . chairman. After other members had spoken in protest against the innovation it was decided unanimously that as a protest against Maoris wearing kilts, all the members of the League pledge themselves to wear nothing hut the Highland costume until the cold weather sets in.