MEMORIAL GATES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22135, 25 September 1946, Page 4

MEMORIAL GATES

UAWA CEREMONIES UNVEILING FUNCTION MANGATUNA HOSPITALITY The first memorial to be completed on the East Coast in honour of those Maori soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II was unveiled at Mangatuna on Sunday in the presence of a gathering estimated at 1000, including many European friends of the Mangatuna residents. The occasion was taken for a celebration on traditional lines, the visitors being tendered warm hospitality. The memorial gates have been erected at the Mangatuna meetinghouse entrance, and represent a hand-, some tribute to the men of the district who served in the late war. The hosts received warm congratulations upon the energy with which they had carried out their memorial plan, which in itself was regarded as most appropriate to its purpose. The principal speakers at the gathering were Sir Apirana - Ngata. Lieut.Colonel Arapeta Awatere, former commander of the 28th Maori Battalion, and Mr. J. Reedy, Ruatoria. These sneakers shared the honour of unveiling the tablets incorporated in the memorial gateway, which carried dedicatory messages and also the names of the Maori fallen of the Uawa people.

A religious service in connection with the unveiling was conducted by the Rev. T. Puha, and two Maori anthems were sung by a substantial native choir.