FIRST MAORI V.C.

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23971, 11 June 1943, Page 4

FIRST MAORI V.C.

“HONOUR TO FAMILY, TRIBE, AND RACE” SYMPATHY WITH BEREAVED PARENTS Reference was made at Wednesday evening’s meeting of the Christchurch Ngati-Otautahi Maori Association to the honour that had been conferred upon the Maori race by the bestowal of the Victoria Cross oh the late Second - Lieutenant Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu. Lieutenant T. Tikao Barrett, M.C., who was a comrade in arms in the Maori Battalion, moved that a letter of sympathy be forwarded to the parents of Second-Lieutenant Ngarimu. ‘‘The bestowal of the Victoria Cross upon this gallant young soldier, he said, “is an honour for his family, for his tribe, and for the whole Maori race. The pity is that he did not live to enjoy this unique distinction, which is the most notable that any British soldier can attain. Our sympathy goes out to the parents of this brave boy, and to Ngati-Porou, the tribe to which he brought such credit.” The resolution was supported by the chairman (Mr Vernon Thomas), vho declared that Second-Lieutenant Ngarimu had died in the path of duty after proving himself every inch a man and a Maori. , .. The resolution was carried in siience. * Tribute to Lieutenant Tikao Barrett, himself the winner of a coveted decoration, was paid by Captain H. Porno, "It is only just at this time.” he said.... “that we should remember one of ouig|j own boys who honourably the mana of our people. I have known him since boyhood, and it has been a source of much gratification to near our Maori boys who have returnea from the front speak of him m - ucn favourable terms.” . „ , It was from the returned men. added, that the truth was obtained, ana all agreed that Lieutenant Tikao Ba • rett had been a father and a fn- n . not onlv to his tribesmen from tne South Island, but to all with whom ne The meeting expressed its ,g ral tion at the safe return of Lieutei Tikao Barrett.