TRIBE’S TRIBUTE.

Grey River Argus, 20 July 1926, Page 2

TRIBE’S TRIBUTE.

TO THE LAST BIG CHIEF. BAY OF PLENTY MONUMENT. WAKATANE, July 19. A monumeiit to Hurinui Apanui, last of the big chiefs of the Ng-atiawa tribe, who could trace his descent back to the arrival of the big canoes, was 'unveile'ct' yesterday at Pohuturoa Rock—a rock of sacred memories to the Native people. There wa,s a large crowd of two thousand,, many natives co-ming from other districts. Magnificent orations were made by Rangitoaorere Te Awekotbku, a chief of the Ara was, and Meru. Timutaru, chief of the Ngatiawas. Six chiefs each representing one of the canoes which brought the Maori to- New Zealand, held ribbons and released the red ensign furled around the monument. This is a handsome black granite column, richly decorated in native art and testified to the esteem in which the late chief Wa» held. The Mayor (Mr. W. Sullivan) and the County Chairman (Mr. W. Kerr) paid tribute to the loyalty and splendid character of Hurinui Apanui, and, on behalf of the European population, compliment cd the Natives on the splendid memorial to this much-revered man.