THOUSANDS ATTEND CENTENNIAL OF TE AUTE COLLEGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23343, 28 August 1950, Page 6

THOUSANDS ATTEND CENTENNIAL OF TE AUTE COLLEGE

(PA) HASTINGS. Aug. 28. With the dignity and reverence befitting the memorable occasion, the centennial of Te Aute Maori Boys College was celebrated on Saturday. Maoris from many parts of New Zealand joined with the leaders of their race and church and State dignitories and past and present pupils to pay tribute to the founding of the historical institution. The attendance numbered about 5000. ...... , Regret was expressed that the most Illustrious old pupil of the college, the late Sir Apirana Ngata, had not survived to participate in the occasion. The headmaster. Mr. E. G. Loten, was presented with a Roll of Honour containing the names of old boys who fought in the South African and the two World Wars. This was made by Lieut.-Colonel C. Bennett and Lieut.Colonel P. Awatere, former commanders of the Maori Battalion, after the formal opening and dedication of the Memorial Assembly Hall. “Handle Your Paddle The Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt. Rev. F. A. Bennett, urged the Maori people to “take hold and handle your paddle." There could be no sitting on the fence and the Maoris could not assume the role of onlookers. “We must go on side by side with the Pakeha.” he said. They did not wish to be pampered, or regarded as hangers-on. The Prime Minister, Mr. S. G. Holland, recalled the contributions of the college to the welfare of the Maori race and prophesied that future contributions would be equally as fine. He recalled with pride and satisfaction such famous men as Sir Apirana Ngata, Sir Maui Pomare. Sir Peter Buck, Dr. Ellison and the leaders of the Maori Battalions. In literature and education. in peace and war the Maori people had men who ranked second to none. “Great as have been the men who passed between these walls,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. P. Fraser, “and much as we honour them, let us remember that the same opportunities are offered to the present generation, which may well give birth to genius.”