KING TAWHAIO “AT HOME.”

Temuka Leader, Issue 1216, 12 August 1884, Page 3

KING TAWHAIO “AT HOME.”

The Maori King and his suite had scarcely settled down in their comfortable quarters near Russell square when the number of callers made it absolutely necessary to limit the time during which they could see visitors, and it was accordingly announced that the King would be 11 at homo ” from eleven till one. This intimation was, of course, only intended for persons bearing letters of introduction or having business with the King, but it seems to have been interpreted as an announcement that the Maoris would be “ on 1 view ” during these hours. Foremost among the would-be interviewers were the representatives of almost every newspaper in London. The King, whenever any of ! this ilk were announced, sent his interpreter away, and the result was that the interviews, when granted, Were brief ' enough, for the Maori language is not as yet a well-known one. The artists of the illustrated papers have not fared much better. But the British public will be , soon familiar with his Majesty’s features, as he has arranged with a photographer, who is likely to satisfy his Majesty by taking a presentable portrait. But though the number and kind of callers have worried the Maoris somewhat they have been very much amused thereby. One lady wished to introduce her daughter, who can sing a Maori song in the native tongue. Declined. Another had got a mat fit for the king to sit on. She said she had been told that it was made for that special purpose, and his Majesty might have it for the trifling sum of 100 guineas. Also declined with thanks. An enterprising tailor offered to clothe the whole embassy from top to toe gratis, and to supply further orders at half-price. This offer very much offended the chiefs, and was curtly declined. On Jane 7th another caller sent up a card with merely his name on it, and was very indignant when he was not granted an interview. His mission was understood to bo the conversion of the Maoris, and to make arrangements for their appearance in public as members of the “ Salvation Army.” Mr Aohbury, late M.P. for Brighton, kindly sent to the King and his suite an invitation to spend some days at Brighton, and they hope to be able to accept it. Dr Reed, from the Crystal Palace, was well received, and thanked for the offer of the directors to specially entertain the party at the Palace—one day, when there will be fireworks in the evening. At present there is no lack of offers of hospitality and entertainment, but what the Maoris 1 want is sympathy and help with iheir cause. They have been assured that this will come when the precise object of their visit to this country becomes known. It la surmised, says the Morning Post, that they base their claim to consideration on the fact that in 1879 a New Zealand Government Commission, which was appointed to enquire into and report upon the justice of the Maori claims, decided in their favor, but when it was afterwards found that the claims could not be satisfied for less than £3,000,000 the report was shelved. On June sth the King caught cold. He had begun to feel so much at “ home” that he donned a white flannel suit and went out shopping. His Majesty does not wear collars, so he bought a silk neckerchief, which be twists twice round his neck and ties in a knot in front. While on the subject ot dress, it may be mentioned that Tawhaio usually wears a blue frock coat, the tails of which he tucks up after the fashion of the Bluecoat Boys, and fastens up with a girdle of plaited grass, which he ties in a knot, and has to

loosen whenever lie wants to get at his pockets. Since he caught cold he sits indoors in his waterproof clonk. A kind friend has sent him several boxes of cough lozenges, and he sucks and chews the pleasant medicine while he smokes his cigar. He used to smoke nothing but pipes, but having noticed that cigars are smoked by the better classes lie has dropped his pipe. It seems that before the Maoris left New Zealand the missionaries had wan.c.l them of the wickedness of going to the theatres ; so when a box at the Alhambra was offered the King did not know what to do. He decided not to go .himself, but sent Te Tuhi, his secretary, to report . The description he brought back was so glowing, and the report altogether so satisfactory, that, despite the cold in the head and the inflamed eye, his Majesty,under the guidance of Mr Chester, and attended by his secre tary and Major Te Wheoro, went on June 6th and saw the “ Beggar Student." They evidently evjoyad tho music and the spectacle. The King and suite occupied the Royal box, and through their interpreter expressed their-, delight to Mr Holland, the manager, who further earned tlieir thanks by letting them see how the sceneryand stage machinery were managed. Mr Chester afterwards took the party to the Savage Club to supper. Thera was some little commotion when, it was found that they are still staunch tetotallers, and that ginger ale was the beverage required. The Savage Club steward was however, equal to the occasion, and with music during the meal the evening was spent most enjoyably. Quasi-entertaining quondam “savages" seems particularly apropos. Next day all but the King (who was not nrell enough to be out of doors) attended a private conference with the Lord Mayor at ihe Mansion House, and stayed to luncheon. Previously Major Te vVheoro, with three other chiefs of the King’s suite, had an interview with the Committee of the Aborigines’ Protection Society, when a memorial to be presented to the Earl of Derby was considered, and it was decided that as soon as the memorial was ready tho Committee would apply to the Earl to grant an interview to the Maoris, who, being perfectly well able to speak for themselves, will state their case without any outside interference. After dinner —■ they dine at seven—they had a look at London by night, and were ranch astonished at the crowded state of the streets, and the noise and bustle of the parts where marketing was going on. On Tuesday, June Bth, a visit was paid to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the afternoon service was much enjoyed.. The impressive grandeur of the Cathedral, and the beautiful music pleased them immensely. Unfortunately the King was not well enough to attend. He, however, is now convalescent. On June 10th the whole of the party went to the Zoological Cardens, and were so intensely interested that they wont again on the following day. They were amazed at the variety and beauty of the fine collection of wild animals at the gardens, and were also very pleased with their visit to. the Botanical Gardens. Sir Francis Dillon Bell has paid them an unofficial visit, which they have returned. The King and his parly have since been to Drury Lane to hear Havarly'a Minstrels, but as they could not understand the jokes, though they liked the music, they were not so amused as they were at the Alhambra. The King and hia suite have also visited Madame Tussaud’s Exhibition, and the Empire Theatre.