MEMORIES OF RANGIRIRI.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 88, 14 April 1927, Page 9

MEMORIES OF RANGIRIRI.

MEMORIAL IN CEMETERY.

PICTURESQUE CEREMONY

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

HAMILTON, this dav

Right alongside. Great South Road at Rangiriri corner is a pretty cemetery, that has attracted attention of passersby, causing them to pull up and pay homage to the immortal dead, who lie buried on the scene of their fight Bome sixty years ago. Friend and foe alike sleep now together.

lesterday afternoon in bright sunshine the Hon. R. F. Bollard unveiled beautiful memorial gates at the entrance to the cemetery. Farmers from all around gathered in large numbers, the visitors including 42 members of King's Empire Veterans; also Mr. James Hislop, Under-Secretary of Internal Affairs, Lieut. Melville, of H.M.B. Philomel, and Captain James Stitchbury. The members of the party were welcomed by Mr. J. H. Potter, local chairman. Mr. Stitchburyi who took part in the battle of Rangiriri gave an interesting resume; and a description was also given by old Wiremu Awhia, now nearly ninety. In a vigorous manner through an interpreter he told of his adventures when taken prisoner in battle.

Mr- Bollard said he thought all New Zealanders supported the Government in a whole-hearted manner in its desire to see the last resting places of veterans properly attended to. This one had cost £1000. He also quoted from dispatches of the British general in command.