RETURNING SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1919, Page 5

RETURNING SOLDIERS.

MAORIS WELCOMED BY GOV-ERNOR-GENERAL. Rotorua. Last Night. The Governor-General and Countess Liverpool farewelled the Maori Pioneers last night at Ohinemutu. Several chiefs spoke requesting his Excellency to liberate the Waikatos imprisoned for refusing military service. One speaker asked His Excellency to use his influence to the lakes case withdrawn and .the Arawa's rights to the lakes recognised. Lord Liverpool eulogised and welcomed the Pioneers, and added that he would bring the speaker's request before the Minister. Gisborne, Last Night There were enthusiastic scenes to day when a public welcome was accorded to the Maori soldiers. Addresses were delivered by the Bishop of Waiapu and Hon. Ngata, and tribal welcomes followed, speeches being made by Hon. Ngata, Sir James Carroll, Lady Carroll and others, interspersed with songs and dances. In the course of his address, the Bishop of Waiapu suggested the re-erection of Te Aute College as a memorial to the soldiers.

In the afternoon the troops came to Gisborne to assist in unveiling the granite monument to Wi Pere. There was a religious service in Maori by the native clergy, and addresses in Maori in eulogy of the deceased by Sir James Carroll, Hon. Ngata, and Chaplain Wainohu. Christchurch, April 9.

Forty Maori soldiers comprising the majority of the South Island Maoris who were )n the Pioneer Battalion in by the ferry steamer thfcsroonrtag, and" went to Tu&hiwi, j«rWe a reception will be accorded them.