In this part:
Princess Gate and the 1901 & 1927 Royal Visits
1901, Duke and Duchess of York (later King George V) visited Rotorua. These graceful totara arches formed the main decoration, covered in greenery and brilliantly illuminated by the electricity just installed in Rotorua. They were placed to cross Fenton St. at Hinemoa St., but after the visit, placed at Arawa St. entrance to Govt. Gardens.
1927. Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI) also visited Rotorua. The Royal Party arrived by train, then driven to the Grand Hotel. The Prime Minister and other dignitaries welcomed them. Then Sir Maui Pomare presented each of the chiefs and Maori women before Mita Taupopoki gave the salutation in Maori.
That evening, at the Tutanekai St. ‘King’s Theatre’ the Royal Party had a stirring dance of welcome by local and visiting tribes. The magnificent concert was arranged by Hon. A.T. Ngata, H. Tai Mitchell & H.R.N. Balnearis. At the conclusion, H. Tai Mitchell’s youngest daughter, Rawinia Mitchell (now Mrs. Chadwick) presented the bouquet.
Whakarewarewa was visited next afternoon, the Royal Party having had a free morning sight-seeing. Guide Bella and Mita Taupopoki escorted them through the reserve to the Model Pa. Sir Maui Pomare related Maori stories before they were treated to Pohutu Geyser display.
Arawa Park Maori reception next morning was a spectacular success with a programme of haka and poi dances to the delight of thousands of people. At Govt. Gardens, 700 children from schools gathered to see the Duke and Duchess as well as Maoris doing thundering hakas. The Duke then officially unveiled the Arawa Soldiers Memorial with its Roll of Honour to those lost in the Great War – W.W.I.
Note: Tene Waitere, master carver, of Royal gifts 1901 and 1927 to both Dukes & Duchesses of York. Ohinemutu Arts & Crafts Sch. missed him. 1931 he died.