TRIBUTE TO TURI

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 2 August 1933, Page 9

TRIBUTE TO TURI

Unveiling of Memorial PAGEANTRY AT PATEA Chants By Maori People MINISTER PERFORMS CEREMONY NATIONAL IMPORTANCE URGED. (From Our Own Reporter.) PATEA, Aug. 2. Although boisterous and occasionally overcast the weather remained fine at Patea to-day for the unveiling of the Turi Alemorial Canoe. Little activity was apparent in the town during the morning, but towards midday Maoris from all parts of Taranaki and Wanganui districts began to assemble. From North Taranaki came the To Atiawa people, from South Taranaki the Ngatiruanui, and from Wlieiiuakura the Tfga li-auru, wnilst already encamped in, Patea were Maoris from the Aotea, Wanganui River and Katana tribes.

On his arrival from AVellington to perform the unveiling the- Hon J. A. Young, Minister of Internal Affairs, was welcomed by the Mayor (Mr. I. Ramsbottoni) and members of the Patea Borough Council and was entertained informally at luncheon. The enthusiasm with which the townspeople and district residents combined with their Maori brethren in connection with the ceremonial was evidenced by a. very large crowd of .spectators who lined the route of a grand procession from the Church of England corner to the Town Hall. The Maoris took pride of place in the procession and in picturesque native costume the spectacle was as colourful as it was animated. Valuable mats and greenstone ornaments were worn by the warriors, carrying carved native weapons, and girls and wahines pais with which they performed with much grace and dexterity. Other units included the Patea Municipal Band, the Haiwera. Pipe Band, Territorials, Legion of Frontiersmen and Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Brownies. At the memorial site the proceedings opened with a chant of welcome by prominent natives. The Minister andother visitors, including the chiefs of the various tribes, • were welcomed by the Mayor. Speeches were given hy Tupito Manuera, Panenui Hauranga-i-arma, Rama Paetaka. Rima Wliakarua'and Mr H. G. Dickie, M.P., after which the memorial was unveiled and an address on the national importance and historical significance of the occasion was given by the Minister. The ceremony concluded in spectacular manner with hailcas, pois and native games performed hy specially trained parties and the finale was the haka, Tewhatewha, by the Ngauru Tribe led by Where.