MEMORIAL TO TURI

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 10 June 1933, Page 5

MEMORIAL TO TURI

WORK COMM ENCED AT PATEA WAR. CANOE ON PILLAR Historically correct in the details of its construction and. decorative symbols, a memorial t-o the famous Polynesian navigator, Turi, in the form of a replica, of the Aotea canoe, in course of construction at- Patea. The memorial possesses unique characteristics in a design that is both beautiful and striking, being comprised of six ornamental pillars of concrete faced with boulders supporting the canoe, 55 feet long and 5 feet wide. At the workshop of Messrs Jones Bros., Hawera, monumental masons, a “Ha.wera Star” (reporter yesterday was shown the half-com pie ted* prow attachment, or tanihu, which is being worked in concrete and will form part of the memorial. It features two large scroll designs which typify speed and a grotesque, projecting figure with protruding tongue and arms extending backwards. The detail work between the scrolls and in other parts is being carefully executed to conform to- photographs of the carvings preserved in the museums at Auckland and Wellington. It irs expected that the prow will be completed l next week for removal t-o Patea. In the meantime it may be inspected by those interested. Work will ibe commenced later on a stern attachment or tau.ra.pa. Turi, famous navigator and warrior, unsurpassed in Maori tradition for valour and detemination, and the founder of the Maori race in New Zealand, settled 1 - at Patea following his 1300 miles voyage from Raeatea in the war canoe Aotea.roa. Turi fortified the headland to. the south -of the Patea River, and descendants of the Aotea-r-oa migration still reside in the district.