Sir Bernard Fergusson Revisits The East Coast

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30129, 13 May 1963, Page 2

Sir Bernard Fergusson Revisits The East Coast

(New Zealand Press Association)

GISBORNE. May 11. The Governor-General. Sir Bernard Fergusson. with Lady Fergusson, made a sentimental pilgrimage during the week-end to one of the scenes of his boyhood on the East Coast. He revisted Matahia Station, inland from Ruatoria, where as a youngster he stayed with his parents. They were guests of the late Mr K. S. Williams on an East Coast tour in February. 1926. Rain poured down on the Tikitiki marae crowded with more than 400 Maoris this morning when Sir Bernard Fergusson. in military uniform. was given a ceremonial welcome by Mr Henare Maihuka and Mr A. Reedy on behalf of the Ngatiporou people. Sir Bernard Fergusson replied that of all his boyhood

memories, February 19. 1926. was most vivid because of the great gathering of Maori people and it was the first occasion he had heard “Now is the Hour” sung by thousands. He paid a tribute to the achievements of Sir Apirana Ngata to Maoritanga. He recalled one of his happiest memories in meeting three of his boyhood playmates in the Maori Battalion, all of whom had survived the war and whom he had since met. The Governor-General attended a service at the church of St. Mary in Tikitiki. dedicated on the occasion of his father’s visit to Maori soldiers who fell in World War I. Later. Sir Bernard Fergusson unveiled a wooden plaque bearing the names of Maori dead in the two world wars and placed a wreath on the memorial to Sir Apirana Ngata.