HEROES, BONES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 45, 23 February 1937, Page 17

HEROES , BONES.

UNKNOWN MAORI SOLDIERS.

TO BE BROUGHT TO N.Z.?

(Bjr Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) MAXGAPEEHI, Monday. Following a request of the MaoriPakeha Federation of Rotorua that a suitable number of representatives of the native race should attend the Coronation, and the Prime Minister's reply that the request will receive the earnest consideration of the Government, an enthusiastic meeting of elders and leaders of the Ngati-Maniapoto tribe was held at the Te Kuiti pa yesterday. The meeting unanimouely supported the nomination of Mr. T. Matengaro Hetet and Kingi Wetera to represent the Maniapoto (King Country) tribe. The present historic occasion was considered by the natives a most opportune one for Government co-operation to carry to fruition the long cherished Maori hope of bringing back the bones of unknown Maori soldiers for burial in native soil. To this end the natives propose to make an offer to the Government to ehare the expense. A substantial amount, for this purpose was collected at yesterday's meeting. If the proposal does not meet with Government approval the race, a leading paramount chief declares, will be bitterly disappointed, and their hopes of sending a epecial pilgrimage to the battlefield for ever shattered owing to the expenses which the race, unless aided, are unable to bear.