MAORIS AND THE KING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 83, 29 July 1914, Page 4

MAORIS AND THE KING.

In connection with the recent visit of the Maoris to England, and the statements which have been from time to time published therewith, a correspondent writes us with reference to

the present visit of the Maoris, to interview King George and former visits by their predecessors, vide Brett’s Early History of Now Zealand. It will be noticed that prior to 1842, several New Zealand Natives gained access to the throne. The first one was Moehanga, who was a representative of several hapu—of Tc Para Whan, o fWhangarei, of Ngatiwai, of Whangarurn, and of Te Tawera, of Hawhiti; but his father was Te Whan, of Whan-, garei. He was the first Native who was taken to England of which there is either record or tradition, and without doubt the first Maori who ever appeared at the British Court. In the year 1805, about October, he went Home in the whaler Ferret, from the Bay of Islands, his expenses being defrayed by Dr. Savage, who was surgeon on board that vessel. On arriving in London. Dr. Savage’s friend, Earl Fitzwilliam, introduced him to Ki ng George and Queen Charlotte, who were delighted with Moehanga, and the Queen on parting gave him a handful of guineas. “Bed money,” as Moehanga called it. Another visit was that of Hongi Hika, the great Maori conqueror, who went from Kaikohe with his kinsmen Waikato. They arrived in England on the Bth August, 1820, and were introduced to King Georg/ IV. by the Lord Bishop of St. Davids, John Mortlock. The King gave them many presents and his hand to kiss. They were also taken to the House of Lords and had private interviews with the Dukes of York and Clarence and other great nobles. On returning to Sydney, he sold all his presents and bought muskets ,and ammunition with tbe money, which wasthe real object of his long journey. His purpose was deadly vengeance on certain tribes. With his firearms he had a great advantage and he entered on a ferocious and victorious number ci campaigns, wiping out of existence whole tribes. He is described as a handsome, gentle mannered, mild looking man, but he was acting his part well.