MAORI LOYALTY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 151, 22 July 1901, Page 2

MAORI LOYALTY

A touching story h told in connection with the Duke of York's visit to Roturoa. Among the natives who wen f from the West Ooaab to assist in the demons'ration was a very old ms'i from up the Wangacui river. He was ill when he started on the journey, but, notwithrtanding his serious condition, declared he would go. Tne journey to Ro'oru • did not improve his health, and on arrival he was forced to take to his bed. The doctors declared there Was no hope, and death might intervene at any time. On the morning of the native display, the sick old man intimated his intension of getting up, adding that he would assist in the dances. His friends ridicule 4 the id ea, saying he would be better in bed. This made the old fellow more mißed, and hn said : " I know I sh<ill die soon, but I'm going to see the Duke first. I must see him." Though weak and suffering severely, Lie will powe' overcame his infirmities. Ai the ho'ir appointed for the display app-oa?be<i,| he rose, dmsed himself, and mido his way slowly to where theoth#r members of his tribe w>re standing. The Duke cime, and the old rmn saw him. He dar.ced as he bad not danced for years beforo, the sight cf thedis inguishod visitorlendiDg siipplene s to his joints, and the excitement j for the moment banished all ilia from! his bndy. Af f er the performance the old man made his way as slowly hack to | his tent as he had come from it. Ha lay on a bed, and soon the people sw J the end was near. An hour afterwards I the old man who Lad been grimacing! and going through the native dances with all the vigour of youth was dead His purpose had been served, however. I He bad seen the Duke. This is only a [simple, true story, but it gives a striking example of the loyalty of the Maoris,