The officers felt a bit anxious when Henare showed signs of talkativeness as the King was pinning the V.C. on his breast, but they could see by His Majesty's pleasant smile that no harm was being done. No one could help smiling when Henare remarked to the King-- "Py cripes, you got te wery fine whare here." Anyhow, the impressive ceremony passed off without a hitch, and Corporal Tikitanu, V.C., looked every inch a British soldier and hero--admired of all. The very next thing to be considered was "New Zealand" with all speed. * * * * * At last, after an absence of nearly twelve months, into which were crammed the experiences and feelings of years, the Maori brave returned to his native land, bringing with him the fame and the honours he had so nobly won. The wildest enthusiasm prevailed at the reception in Henare's native village. Maori and Pakeha customs and phrases followed one another in quick succession in the eager desire to express a joyous welcome. "Haeremai's" were shouted at the returned soldier boy from every quarter of the crowd; vigorous nose rubbing threatened to become serious, until it was relieved by the more European ceremony of carrying the hero shoulder high through the excited crowd. When they reached a flag-bedecked platform, Maori orators poured forth a flood of poetic welcome, until the women broke down and wailed their solemn tangi. As Henare stood up to reply the ground shook with the hakas and feet stamping. It was a real ovation that the loyal brown-boy received. For the sake of the distinguished Pakehas present, Henare spoke in pidgin-English. He had often heard about the great Lord Kitchener, so he began by saying: "Te Pritis soldier no talk too much. He te man of the do things, not t'talk it. T'that why I no got too much for te speech." He then thanked them all very warmly for the kind and unexpected welcome they had tendered him, and concluded with this: "Any bloke here want te nice soft job, no good for him go to te Sherman war; more better him stop home wid te mudder. But if all you big fat feller want to be te MAN and te decent bloke, get outer Noo Zeelan quick and help all your mate lick up te Sherman." [Illustration] Kiri, his faithful Maori maiden, was foremost among those who welcomed him home; and the Rev. Honi Maki celebrated their happy wedding a week later. Bearing on his body the honourable scars of war, and on his breast the King's acknowledgment of his bravery and loyalty, Henare spent his days going in and out among the Waikatos and neighbouring tribes, telling them thrilling tales of Britain's might and honour; and showing them the terrible need there is for Pakeha and Maori alike to do and dare--for the sake of Britannia, the friend of Justice and Liberty. [Illustration] WORTHINGTON & CO., PRINTERS, ALBERT STREET, AUCKLAND--5380 "LETTERS FROM PRIVATE HENARE TIKITANU." By J. C. FUSSELL.