BIG MAORI HUI

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 135, 4 March 1929, Page 12

BIG MAORI HUI

THE UTE-SIR JAMES CARROLL UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL ASSEMBLAGE AT GISBORNE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Gisborne, March 2. For over a year now the Maoris of Poverty Bay, Hawke’s Bay and the East CoaJt districts havs been busy •raising funds for a hui or assemblage of native tribes in readiness for the unveililig of the memorial to the late Sir James Carroll. The work of many months has 1 at length borne effect, a monster hui, estimated to be the largest in the Dominion, being now in progress in Gisborne. The hui Is being held on the Park racecourse and tribes are present from far distant parts, many notable chiefs being also in attendance. Invitations had been sent to all parts of New Zealand’ but following the usual Maori custom no reply is sent to an invitation, the first notification of acceptance being that the Maoris are on'their way to Gisborne. Under such circumstances the work of the hui committee has been very arduous, because of the uncertainty of the number of •However, it was decided to take no risk, and preparations were made to cope •witli even 28,000, but that number will, it is anticipated, not be present. Big marquees are spread over the park, each being allotted a separate tribe. The dining marquee is capable of seating six hundred ' at one sitting, special long tables being allotted to each .tribe, and special staffs bein’ detailed to each table. Up till this afternoon there were some hundreds of. Maoris ,in camp. Visiting tribes arrived last night and fill day today, and there are still large numbers on the way, including the Arawas (Rotorua) add' the Ngapuhip (North Auckland).. On arrival, each tribe is welcomed in the customary picturesque manner, on the marae, where the usual speeches follow, both from the visitors, and their hosts. Amongst those under canvas at present ara parties from the following tribes, with their chiefs, as given below: Teheiawaite and Ngati Rakawa tribes, of Wai; kanae, under Te Kakakura; Isgati Rakauringi tribe, of Ohau, under Kipi Roera; Wanganui tribes, under Mete Kinga and Takarangi; Ngatiawa tribe, of Whakatane, under Ti Kapa; Tuhoe tribe, of Urewera country, under Te Pika; Wairarapa tribe, under Mrs. Ruakiira Tamahoa; widow of Chief Tamahoa; Wharehoa tribe, - of Taupo, under Te HeuHeu, grandson of the famous New Zealand chief of early days.- . ’ ’ " . The hosts or home Maoris comprise practically every tribe and sub-tribe from Hieks Bay to Wairoa, and from Hawkes Bay, especially there is a large contingent of Ngatiporos, under Sir Apirana ' In accordance with Maori custom unbounded hospitality is being shown, the visiting tribes. A large detachment of Arawas and Ngapiihis is expected late to-night?' 2___ '' PRIME MINISTER’S TRIBUTE “A GREAT FIGURE” 'Dominion Special - Service. , js: • • ■ Gisborne, March 3. ' A memorial ta the loving memory of. the late Sir James Carroll was unveiled fit Gisborne by the Prime Minister to-day. In paying a tribute to one who had been a colleague in Parliament, Sir Joseph Ward said that in his day and generation Sir James Carroll was a great figure in the public life of the Dominion. At the time of; his entry into political life fl writer of that day stated: “Were he to do nothing else, Kis efforts in the directiori of the political and social unions of the two races would hand his name down in New Zealand history as that of a statesman, of broad and comprehensive views, farseeing and a benefactor alike to Maori and European. As one of the foremost young chiefs of a large and powerful tribe whose mana extended near-ly-’the whole length of the East, Coast of the North Island, he exercises'a vast influence with the-Native race and his opinions On Native questions naturally commanded the greatest attention. As an . outcome of Native representation he, is in himself a valuable and instructive lesson to the colonists.” • Prophesy Carried Out. That prophesy was fully carried out during Sir James. Carroll’s long career. A genial, good-natured man, he made friends wherever he went, and was one of'the best examples of the commingling of. the two races, in New Zealand. He was a leader who did a great , deal in bringing about an understanding between the Native race ’ and the white race. He was an orator of the first order, probably one of the best speakers this country had produced. One of .his mam characteristics was the capacity for making lasting friendships. His Native policy, although criticised in some quarters at the time, had been proved to have been in the best interests of the M<:e ' A Generous Opponent. In his death the country lost a New Zealand statesman and the Maori people a great rangitera. He was always a generous opponent as well as a loyal and sincere friend. ■ He remained a stalwart adherent to the high traditions of the Liberal Party. Throughout his career he'was a staunch patriot and stood fourx — square for King and country. In ad- • dition to the part he played in public life he was a keen sportsamn. He served well both the races he represented,. Understanding thoroughly the psychology of the Maori, he determined to do his. utmost to help in welding the two\peoples together and in building a bridge Of friendship and co-operation in times when suspicions, due to old r wartime days, had not died down. The keynote Of his*policy was. in short, the harmony of both" races and the gradual evolution of the Maori race in line with modern conditions. He was, in short, an able statesman, a polished gentleman and loyal friend.