Oturu Maoris Celebrate Anzac Day

Northern Advocate, 27 April 1940, Page 4

Oturu Maoris Celebrate Anzac Day

The residents in the native settlement of Oturu had their own celebrations on Anzac Day. In the morning a service attended by practically the whole of the inhabitants, was held in the new school building. The Anglican form of service was read by Mr Dave Walker, assisted by Mr W. Walker. A feature was the singing in Maori and English. The service terminated with "God Save the King.” sung by the children. For the remainder of the day a picnic and sports meeting were held The day's outing, which was mainly for the children, was under the control of the school committee and Miss Leaf, the school head mistress. Liberal prevision was made for refreshments, and much thoughtfulness had been shown in providing for the pleasure cf the children. There were scrambles for sweets and rather a novel peanut chase. Instead of the usual toys or money for those who won prizes in the sports, something useful was given. The results of the sports were: Tiny tots, girls: Hinemoa Maaka 1. C. Walker 2, H. Yates 3. Girls, 6 to 8: R. Maaka 1. R. Gibbons 2. R. Popata 3. Boys. 8 to 10: T. Walker 1, Joe Gibbons 2, Jim Gibbons 3. Boys, 12 to 14: C. Walker 1, M. Walker 2, T. Popata 3. Boys, 10 to 12: R. Ropiha 1. H Walker 2, W. Popata 3. Wheelbarrow race: M. Walker and T. Popata 1, R. Ropiha and R. Popata 2, R. Erceg and C. Walker 3. Girls, ex-pupils: K. Popata 1, M. Busby 2, M. Maaka 3. Married women: Mrs K. Walker 1. Mrs F. Walker 2. Mrs T. Tipene 3. Single men: T. Ngawhaka and B. Penny (equal) 1. J. Prinkovich 2. Single ladies’ race: M. Marsh 1, S. Ruteno 2, A. Marsh 3. Married men's race: A. Gibbons 1. W. Walker 2. S. Marsh 3. Ladies’ race, old timers: Mrs A. Gibbons and Mrs .T Hetaraka, dead heat, 1. Mrs M Maaka 3. Committeemen's race: J. Fosinkovich and S. Marsh, dead heat. I, R. Popata 3. In the evening a well-attended dance was held in the hall and proved most successful. Music was provided by Mr J. Fosinkovich (clarinet). Mr S. Marsh (Spanish guitar) and Miss Annie Marsh <ukulele). The M.C. was Mr S. Walker.