"PILLAR OF THE FAITH."

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 83, 8 April 1930, Page 5

"PILLAR OF THE FAITH."

MONUMENT TO MAORI CHIEF. NORTH AUCKLAND CEREMONY. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) KAIKOHE, Monday. The unveiling of a monument to the late Putoto Kereopa, a chief of rank among the four tribes of the North, who died two years ago, was attended yesterday by several hundred Maoris from all parts* of North Auckland. The service was conducted by the Rev. W. N. Panapa, assisted by Canon Keretare and. the Revs. H. Herawera and R. Te Hau. The monument was unveiled by the widow of the late chief. It is a large square monolith of polished grey granite, mounted on a stepped concrete base, and in poetic Maori it proclaims that Putoto Kereopa was "A man whose word was honoured in the councils of hie people. A pillar of the faith. Mourn, O people, for the father who has departed. The head of the canoe: The shelter from the winds. As a rock standing in the open sea giveth calm to those in its shelter. Farewell, O father: the upholder of all that is true and noble. Let those who come after remember the good you have done ; " Mr. H. F. Guy spoke on behalf of the people of Kaikohe, while Te Korewha, Mare Tawhai, Hone Rameka, and Erika Ahuhata 6poke on behalf of the four tribes. Those present filed past the monument, each laying a hand on it in passing.