MAORI CHIEFS GIFT.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 40, 16 February 1929, Page 11

MAORI CHIEFS GIFT.

AN HISTORIC LINK

TAPU PLACE OF THE CROWN,

NATIONAL PARK CEREMONY

The opening to-day of the chateau at the National Park, Tongariro, forms an essential link between British and Maori history in New Zealand.

The story of how the National Park passed into the possession of the Dominion as a national heritage is of interest, as was realised at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone by the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health, this afternoon.

It is to chief Te Heuheu Tukino— who was known as Horonuku—son of the chieftain and high priest Te Heuheu, of the Taupo tribe, who was killed in 1846, that New Zealand owes the nucleus of this beautiful reserve. The moving spirit behind the gift was Mr. Lawrence M. Grace, an Englishman and son of a pioneer missionary, whose suggestion to the old chief was something of an inspiration.

In the early 'eighties the chiefs of some Wanganui tribes laid claim to the area by right of conquest, but Te Heuheu. looking across to the smoking crater of Ngatiruhoe, replied, '"There burns my fire, kindled by my ancestor Ngatoro-i-rangi. It was he who lit that tire and it has burned there ever since. That is my fire of occupation."

Te Heuheu Tukino established his right, and in memory of his father's tragic death presented the three mountains to the nation forty years ago. The scene of the gift was Taupo township, where a Native Land Court was held in 1886 for the purpose of establishing the ownership of various blocks of land in that part of the country. Many deeply-tattooed warrior chiefs of the old order were there, some who had fought against the Government and some who had fought for the Queen, outstanding amongst them, Te Heuheu, the majestic head of a tribe which had always held it* territory against assault from coast dwelling tribes.

It was mutually agreed between Maori and pakeha that it was undesirable to permit these famous mountains to be dealt with in the ordinary way. They should be regarded as tapu. "Now," said Te Heuheu, "why not make them a tapu place of the Crown, a sacred place under the mana of the ruler of England?"

The proposal contained in the above story was agreed to by all concerned, the mountain tops were left to Te Heuheu, and they were duly offered to the Crown and accepted by the Government of the day. Two conditions were attached to the gift—first, that the chief's father, who was overwhelmed at Te Rapa, and whose remains were laid on the mountain, should be removed to some other place and a tomb erected over him; second, that Te Heuheu's only son should be a trustee of the park, and that these provisions shpidd be made in the Act. These conditions were accepted and subsequently fulfilled. Enlargement of the Park.

The park remained undeveloped until 1908, when Dr. L. Cockayne made a report on the botanical features, and Mr. E. Phillips Turner a topographical survey. At this time the park comprised 63.200 acres, but upon the reports further areas were acquired, and the park now comprises 149,470 acres. The Act constituting the Tongariro National Park Board was passed in 1922. The weather was beautifully fine for the ceremony. A large and representative gathering was present, including members of the Tongariro National Park Board.

Mr. J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary for Lands, traced the history of the park from the time it was handed over by the Maoris to the board. The first consideration was that the people's interests should be safeguarded. This had been amply provided for. The people of Auckland and Wellington and the trustees had made Tongariro'Park possible. On behalf of the board he wished the Tourist Company every success.

The Hon. Stallworthy said no doubt the Chateau would become a tourist resort for all Australia and New Zealand. He read a message of good wishes from Sir Joseph Ward, and spoke at length of the beauties of the Dominion and the tourist attractions generally. He looked forward to the day when the tourist resources of the Dominion woxild be capitalised.

He gave figures of tourist traffic into overseas countries, and said New Zealanders spent four millions overseas. It was high time the potentialities of this tourist traffic came into the practical politics of the Dominion. The fine enterprise they were witnessing to-day was a great step forward. On behalf of the Government he must wish the undertaking complete success. He congratulated one and all on making this contribution to what would manifestly be a great institution—a tourist base not only for Auckland and New Zealand, but for Australasia. He had pleasure in declaring the foundation stone well and truly laid from south, east and west. "From the four corners of the earth, let all people come and rejoice with us in the glories of God's own country."