AT MANUTUKE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21898, 17 December 1945, Page 2

AT MANUTUKE

MEMORIAL GATES

PERMANENT REMINDER

UNVEILING CEREMONY

Manutuke’s permanent reminder of those of her sons who perished in the war of 1939-45 took the form of memorial gates erected at the entrance of the Toko Toru Topu Church. Eight servicemen of that district, including one of white descent, were honoured at ’.he unveiling ceremony yesterday afternoon, which was attended by something like COO persons, both Maori and European. The Government, the Gisborne Borough Council, and the R.S.A. were here again represented by those who had attended the function earlier in the day at Waihirere. Following the lament at the meetinghouse, the gathering moved across the field to the entrance to the churchyard. The pillars making up the gateway were veiled with flags of the United Nations and it was here that the ceremony was performed. The next-of-kin of those for whom the gates now stand, with floral semiings in their hands, stood in a semicircle, while the Rev. Mr. Mataira conducted the service and Colonel Awatere unveiled the pillars. Common Spirit “We stand together to-day to pay tribute to those of our comrades who fell in this war,” Colonel Awatere stated. “To-day we have here returned men of this war and also soldier warriors of the last war, so thus we have those who began the awful undertaking and those who took up the cudgels where they left off.” They shared the common spirit of those who could never come back and the first way in which all could show that spirit for which these men died was to enter the gates of the hall of God and lead the life of true peace. “These memorial gates which I am about to unveil are for those local men who laid down their lives towards giving us the peace, security and present happiness we now have,” he finished, and then removed the flags, revealing four sturdy brick pillars, fitted with inscribed marble. The “Last Post” and "Reveille” were again sounded by Bandsman White and the wreaths placed at the base of the pillars. Those present moved once more to in front of the Maori Battalion meet-ing-house, where formal addresses of welcome and replies were exchanged. Colonel Awatere Thanked The first speaker was Mr. Henry McClutchie Hicks Bay, who, speaking in Maori, .translated by Captain Taiapa, extended a welcome on behalf of the Maoris of the district, particularly to Colonel Awatere, whom he thanked for his fatherly advise, guidance and care, not only of the Maoris from the East Coast, but to all the Maoris in the 2nd N.Z.E.F. from the whole of New Zealand. He predicted there would be no wars in the future if the people would go to God and follow His leadership. Mr. H. Maynard, for the Manutuke people, welcomed all the visitors, both Maori arid European, saying it wa3 only right and proper that they should join as one race in this tribute to the men who had fallen for the one cause. Through the blood in which they had fallen the Maori and European had become one and as the years went by they would see them draw closer together. Admiration For Maoris Speaking for the people of Gisborne, Mr. De Costa said there was no need to stress the admiration that all New Zealanders accorded, and rightly accorded, to the glorious record of the Maori Battalion throughout this war, from Greece and Crete to Alamein, Tunisia and Italy, and in the Pacific theatre.

"On the land, in the air and on the sea Maori warriors, the flower of their race, have voluntarily and heroically emulated the traditions of their warrior ancestors, and their fame and valour are known with pride arid gratitude throughout the British Empire and to all the Allied nations,” he continued.

Their prowess is known, feared and respected by their enemies, and they contributed in no small part to the confusion and eventual destruction of our common enemies.

“To-day you gather to do honour, in the admirable spirit which your Maori traditions teach, to those who have departed from you and have died warrior’s deaths.

. “Each of you here, to-day feel, and rightly feel, that you have suffered the loss of a near relative who gave his life.

"Your loss as a community has been grievous, and to-day you fittingly and properly commemorate the memory of your departed ones.

“The pakeha community of Gisborne' join with you in your grief, and render their homage and respect io those brave boys who have passed overi," Mr. De Costa concluded.

Spiritual Significance

The honouring of those brave lads who fell in defence of their Empire was an occasion filled with spiritual significance, and there was no more spiritual people than the Maori, declared Mr. Coleman.

The Maori had realised that the British Empire gave them a life of freedom ana gave them equal rights, so at the hour of need they had come whole-heartedly to the aid of the Empire in her danger. This district, though only small, had responded nobly to the call, and it was unfortunate that in so doing many were nol able to return to the country they loved.

"To-day we pay tribute to those who are not returning and we know thal but for them, and those others who served with them, we would not now be enjoying the security, freedom and rights we have,” he continued.

Many who had returned had suffered grievously in assuring us those rights.

Rehabilitation Work of All

“It is our job—yours and mine—to see that these men are well cared for and well looked after,” Mr. Coleman added. “Words can be nice, but we mustn’t let the matter end .there; we must all work together and see that everything possible is done for those who have paid such a great price. " ‘Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friend’—we must show that we are worthy of thal love,” he concluded.

As representative of the 2500 men from this district, who as members oi the R.S.A. are survivors of the last three campaigns in which the Empire has been engaged, Colonel Gambrill addressed the gathering. The sacrifices of those who had died and suffered had not been in vain il all would pull together, he stated. In the forces there was always a feeling of comradeship and co-operation, and if this spirit which predominated men’s associations in the armed forces was carried on in everyday civil life i| would go a long way towards maintaining peace.

Teamwork Wanted

Lieutenant Kohere, replying for th« returned men of this war, also spoke on the spirit of team work and equality which existed between the two races in the forces.

‘I nave met some better pakeha New Zealanders over the other side than,! have in New Zealand,” he remarked. Replying lor the Maori visitors, Mr P Haare expressed pride at the par.i the Maori race had played in achiev-ng victory, and commented that it was the European and not the Maori whe caused the wars

The Tairawhiti Kiwi Club wer present to give numbers during am after the feast which followed.