MAORI WAR MEMORIAL

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21348, 15 December 1934, Page 11

MAORI WAR MEMORIAL

FOUNDATION STONE LAID The foundation stone of the Memorial Arch in memory of the Maoris of the South Island who were killed in the Great War, and to Te Maiharoa. the founder of Arowhenua Pa, was laid by Mr E. T. Tirikalene, M.P., at the south-west corner of the Pa road, where it joins the Main South highway. Amongst those present at the ceremony were Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., Mrs Burnett, the Mayor of Temuka (Mr A. W. Buzan), and Mayoress and councillors, beside the presick .it. oi the Temuka Returned Soldiers' Association (Mr J. King), and members, children of the Arowhenua Native School, and the public. The building had been commenced, a place having been left for the commemorative stone to be placed in one of the two main pillars facing into the archway. The preparations having been completed, the ceremony commenced with a procession of wahines of the Ratana faith, led by the local pastor, the, Rqv.,H. Te Reinga. The procession formed a half circle about the memorial and the guests of honour were grouped almost opposite tliem. The service commenced with prayer and an oration by Mr Te Reinga, after which Mr Tirikatene, in full tribal dress, delivered the chief address of the day in Maori. The Mayor-of Temuka (Mr A. W. Buzan) congratulated the committee in charge of the memorial building on their enterprise and wisdom in choosing what he thought one of the best sites in the South Island for their memorial. Messrs T. D. Burnett and J. King also spoke. Mrs W. Mihaka presented a minia-, ture trowel' in silver to Mr Tirikatene,' who laid the stone, after which Mr. Tirikatene said! "To both Maori and, pakeha we declare, this .foundation stone of the memorial to be laid with; love, faith, and goodwill and the, happiest of associations. May the speeches that have been made this afternoon be