SIR JAMES CARROLL.

Grey River Argus, 4 March 1929, Page 5

SIR JAMES CARROLL.

GISBORNE MEMORIAL Yesterday’s Ceremony. RECORD MAORI CONCOURSE. GISBORNE, March 3. At the Hui to-day, large parties of the Arawas, under Chief Mota Taupopoki,- and of the Ngapuhis, arrived in camp last night. Rua, the prophet, is also in camp, having arrived with 4 he Tuhoes. Tn ideal weather, • perhaps the largest crowd eve- seen in Gisborne, numbering many thousands, assembled this afternoon at the tomb of Sir James Carroll for the unveiling of his mem orial, the ceremony being performed by Sir Joseph Ward. After outlining in an eloquent speech the life history of Sir James Carroil, and paying a tribute to *he great} woi}k done by the deceased state: man, both for the Maori race and for the Pakeha, Sir Joseph Ward said that Sir James Carroll was a good-natured man, and was one of the best examples of the co-mingling of the two races in New Zealand. Ho was a leader who did a great deal in bringing about an unders'anding between the native race and the white people. He was an orator of the first order, one of the best speakers that New Zealand ever had. His native policy, although criticised in some quarters at the time, has been proved o be in the best interests of the race. In his death the country lost a New Zealand statesman and the Maori people lost a good Rangitira. He was a generous opponent, as well as a loyal and sincere friend. He remained a stalwart adherent to the high tradition of the Liberal Party throughou his career. Sir James Carroll was a staunch patriot, and stood four square for King and country. After outlining Sir James Carroll’s history in sport, Sir Joseph Ward went on to say tha f the keynote of Sir James Carroll’s policy was, in short, the harmonising of both the races, and the gradual evolution of the Maori race in line with modern conditions. Sir James Carroll was an able statesman, a polished gentleman, and loyal friend. Those who esteemed him had put on record the monument that ho had to unveil that day. Sir James had left behind him a memory unblemished. He was one who had done his duty in every way on behalf of flic Maori race and also on behalf of the white people of New Zealand. Sir Joseph then unveiled the large handsome Coromandel granite monu ment, ,suitably inscribed in Maori and European.

Eloquent addresses were delivered also by Mita Taupopoki, the Chief of the Arawas; Tararangi Mita Kingi, of Wanganui; and the Bishop of Aotcaroa; and the memorial was then blessed by the Rev. Father Van Beck, assisted by the Rev. Fathers Murphy and Kelly, while the hymns “ Abide With Me” were sung by St. Mary’s Choir, and “Nearer My God to Tlioe” (in Maori) by the Maori Mission Choir;

The ceremony concluded by Sir A. Ngata returning thanks to Sir Joseph Ward, who had made the journey from 3ye*liDgton for the Express purpose of doing honour to the memory of Sir Janies Carroll.