Japanese Prince Opens Maori House

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 424, 4 August 1928, Page 13

Japanese Prince Opens Maori House

ROTORUA’S WELCOME EXCHANGE OF PRESENTS (From Our Oion Correspondent) ROTORUA, Sunday. H.I.H. Prince Takamatsu, brother of the Japanese Emperor, was welcomed with traditional Maori ceremony when he visited Koutu, a village near Rotorua, to-day, to open a new native meeting house. Vice-Admiral Kobayashi and 225 officers from the training squadron now at Auckland, arrived at Rotorua by special train at noon. They were welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. J. N. McLean, the councillors, and a large gathering of citizens. Boys from the Rotorua High School formed the guard of honour. The Mayor referred to the happy relations existing between the Dominion

and Japan, and trusted that the good feeling and commercial relations would continue. The Admiral, in reply, said: "On behalf of the Prince, the officers and the midshipmen of His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s squadron, I desire to express our deep thanks for the cordial manner in which you have welcomed us to your city." He believed that Japan and Great Britain would always be found side by side. They had always found Great Britain to be on the side of justice and humanity. It was the duty of every nation to do its utmost to put an end to war. He was proud of the fact that the Japanese Navy had been enabled to convoy the gallant troops of New Zealand to their destinations in the Great War. It had been simply a duty they owed to the Allied Nations. Referring to the new treaty promulgated between New Zealand and Japan, Admiral Kobayashi said it might be mainly commercial, but he hoped that its effects would be much broader and result in fostering closer relations and the good of both countries. With regard to the sentiments expressed by the Mayor concerning the Pacific, he was in complete accord. Their main aim in visiting New Zealand was to develop and cement the mutual good feeling which already existed between both countries. He was sure that when they were back in Japan they would look back upon their visit to Rotorua with most kindly remembrances. Afterwards the party was driven to the Grand Hotel. After lunch they motored to Koutu, where a huge gathering of natives assembled to do them honour. Koutu is on the lakeside two miles distant from Rotorua. The Japanese were met wilt all the pomp and ceremony of the Maori race. They were greeted with the mere and the pou whiri, branches were waved, and chants were sung. Manahi Rangiriri awaited the prince to unlock the door. His Imperial Highness was the first to pass the threshold of the new meeting house. Amid much enthusiasm many handsome gifts were made to the Prince and the Admiral, comprising mats, tokatokas, and walking sticks. The Admiral, on behalf of the visitors, presented an ancient bow and gauntlets, a memory of old Japan to Mr. Tai Mitchell for the Arawas in grateful recognition of their courtesy. Afterwards the visitors were taken to Whakarewarewa and various nearby places of interest. In the evening a great Maori entertainment was staged at the Lyric Theatre.