MEMORIAL TO CHIEFS

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 13 October 1932, Page 5

MEMORIAL TO CHIEFS

CARVED COLUMN JJNVELLED CEREMONY AT ROTORUA.

A memorial to three _ prominent Maori chiefs was unveiled m the presence of about 400 natives at Te Ruamata, 'Te Ngae, about six miles from Rotorua, at the week-end. It consists of a column of solid carved totara, set in concrete, with steps around it, and is situated near a meeting-house in beautiful surroundings on the shores of Lake Rotorua. The column is exquisitely carved in the manaia style, one of the most treasured carvings o± the Maoris. It was executed by an old Native craftsman. . . The three chiefs to wTiorn it is dedicated are Otimi Tikitere, who died about 22 years ago, aged SG; and his two sons, Ngawhika Otimi and Tamihana Tikitere, who died about . foui years ago, aged 80 and '72 respectively. The father -was one of the fighting, chiefs of the early days, and was a member of the 'Church of England. The elder son was a loyal chief who aided Captain Mair. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. 'Tannhana Tikitere, who was of a peaceful disposition, belonged fo the Ratana movement.

The gathering included representatives of families directly descended from those who arrived in New Zealand in the six canoes Te Aroha, Tainui, Matatua, Tokomaru, Takitimu, and Aotea. The Maori custom of using ribbons of distinctive colours, one for each representative, was followed. The ribbons were fastened to the top of the mat which covered the monument, and at the unveiling ceremony each represenative pulled a ribbon. At the base of the column had been placed greenstone meres, axes, and carved objects of considerable value. The ceremony followed the Native traditions in many respects and lasted nearly three hours. It was commenced by the singing of a hymn by a Native ciioir, followed by addresses by representatives of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches and the Ratana movement. There were also speeches by representatives of tribes, each of whom traced his descent.

A’ carved flagstaff near the memorial, a tribal contribution in honour of the departed chiefs, w r as also unveiled. The proceedings were followed by feasting.