MEMORIAL GATES UNVEILED

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 14673, 17 May 1948, Page 2

MEMORIAL GATES UNVEILED

CABINET MINISTER PRESENT

Function At Te Matai School

Representative Gathering

Of Maoris

(Times Correspondent)

The Tc Matai School Memorial the Minister of Defence (the Hon. Gatos were unveiled on Saturday by F. Jones). There was a large gathering of Europeans and Maoris, including representatives of the Maori race from Taupo, Whakatane, Matata, Te Puke and Tauranga.

A welcome to Mr Jones and his party was extended by the Mayor of Te Puke (Mr W. E. Hookey). Mr Jones was given a traditional Maori, welcome on the marac opposite the school gates. The type of ceremony used was the Tu Waewae, a very old form which was recently revived at Rotoxnxa to welcome Lord Montgomery. A chieftain approaches the visitor and drops a tiaha (stick) on the ground before him. This action is repeatedby another chief, the stick being picked up by the guest. A guard of honour was formed by returned soldiers led by Mr Goslin, secretary of the Te Puke R.S.A. After the traditional welcome, Mr Jones and the guard of honour approached the gates where members of the clergy conducted a short memorial service.

Mr Jones stated that 600 boys from the Te Puke district had been in uniform, which, he thought, was a record. He also paid tribute to Lady Ngata who died on Friday last. Miss Rahuruhi, runner-up in the Miss New Zealand contest, also spoke. On the marae the official party was entertained with oratory, hakas, poi dancing and songs, followed by a traditional feast., ,