GREAT MAORI GATHERING.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3415, 20 February 1920, Page 5

GREAT MAORI GATHERING.

TO WELCOME THE PRINCE. MAORI HUI AT ROTORUA. The forthcoming visit from‘ the Prince of Wales among the Kai-ugas of the Northlsland, and the tribes » are already preparing to gather at Rotorua to pay homage to their sovereign heir in a display worthy of “the most‘ loyal race that is subject to the British Crown.” , Arrangements are being made by the ‘ Minister of Native Aifairg (Sir William Henries) to have ‘a great gathering of the tgbes at Roto’rua immediately before April 20,‘ the date fixed for the Prince’s visit. Provision is being made by the Government for the transport of 5000 natives, and for their accommodation at a’ camp

pitched on the Rotorua racecourse. The ‘yprincipal chiefs of the hapus are being « communicated with, and. it is hoped that the occasion will be made one for a. display of native dances amd ceremonial outrivalling the demonstrations which ‘marked the visit of the present King (then Duke of York), in 1901. INVITATION TO TAIHAPE MAORIS ‘ RECEIVIIED BY KINGI TOPIA. Invitations have been issued by the Government to chiefs and people in your district. to take part in ‘the ofiicial Maori welcome to the Prince of VVales, at Rotorua, on '2oth April next. Free railway and ‘boat passes are arranged . to and‘ from Rotorua, also free accommodation and food. A full muster of returned Maori soldiers is desired. Please arrange with your people to give exhibition dances, etc., and bring no children, as an outbreak of influenza is feared.