HUI AT GISBORNE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3912, 5 March 1929, Page 23

HUI AT GISBORNE.

MEMORIAL TO SIR JAMES

CARROLL.

GISBORNE, March 2.

For over a year now the Maoris of Poverty Bay, Hawke’s Bay, and the east coast districts have been busy raising funds for the hui or assemblage of native tribes in readiness for the unveiling of the memorial to the late Sir James Carroll. The work of many months lias at length borne effect. A monster hui, estimated as the largest in the history of the Dominion, is now in progress in Gisborne. The hui is being held on the Park Racecourse, and representatives of tribes are present from far distant parts, many notable chiefs being also in attendance. Invitations had been sent to all parts of New Zealand, but, following the usual Maori custom, no reply was sent to the invitations, the first notification of acceptance being that the Maoris were on their way to G' borne. In such circumstances the work of the Hui Committee has been very arduous because of the uncertainty of the number of arrivals. However, it was decided to take no risk and preparations were made to cope with even 25,000, but that number will, it is anticipated, not be present.

Big marquees are spread over the park, each being allotted to a separate tribe. The dining marquee is capable of seating 600 at one sitting. Special long tables are allotted to each trible, and special staffs are detailed to each table.

Up till this afternoon there were some hundreds of Maoris in camp. Visiting tribes arrived last night and all day to-day,-and there are still large numbers on the way, including the Arawas (Rotorua) and the Ngapuhis (North Auckland). On arrival each tribe is welcomed in the customary picturesque manner on the marae, where the usual speeches follow, both from the visitors and their hosts.

Amongst those under canvas at present are parties from the following tribes, with their chiefs, as given below:—Teheiawaite and Ngati Rakaua tribes of. Waikanae, under Te Khakura Ngati; the Rakauringi tribe of Ohau, under Kipi Roera; Wanganui tribes under Mete Kinga and Takarangi; the Ngatiawa tribe of Whaktane, under Ti Keepa Tuhoe; the tribe of the Urewera Country under Te Pika; the Wairarapa tribe, under Mts Ruakura Tamahou widow of Chief Tamahou; the Wharehou tribe of Taupo, under Te Heu Heu, a grandson of the famous New Zealand chief of the early days. The hosts or home Maoris comprise practically every tribe and sub-tribe from Hicks Bay to Wairoa and Hawke’s Bay. An especially large contingent of Ngatiporous is under Sir Apirana Ngata. In accordance with Maori custom unbounded hospitality is being shown to the visiting tribes. Large detachments of Arawas and Ngapuhis are expected late to-night.-

MEMORIAL * UNVEILED. PRIME MINISTER’S TRIBUTE. GISBORNE, March 3. Large parties of Arawas, under Meta Taupopoki, and Ngapuhis arrived in camp last night. Rua, the Maori prophet, is also in camp, arriving with the Tuhoes. In ideal weather, perhaps the largest crowd ever seen in Gisborne, numbering many thousands, assembled this afternoon at the tomb of Sir James Carroll for the unveiling of the memorial, the ceremony being performed by Sir Joseph Ward. ■ After outlining in an eloquent speech the life history of Sir James Carroll and paying a tribute to the great work done by the deceased statesman both for the Maori race anl 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. He was a leader who did a great deal in bringing about an understanding between the Native race and the white people. He was an orator of the first order, one of the best speakers New Zealand had ever had. His Native policy, although criticised in some quarters at the time., had been proved to be in the best interests of the race. In his death the country had lost a statesman and the Maori people had lost a good rangitara. 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 throughout 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 that the keynote of Sir James’s policy was, in short, the harmonising of both races and the gradual evolution of the Maori race in line with modem conditions. Sir James Carroll was an able statesmen, a polished gentleman, and a loyal friend. Those who esteemed him' had put on record the momftnent that was unveiled that day. Sir James had left behind hita a memory unblemished. He was one who had done his duty in every way on behalf of the 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 in English. Eloquent addresses were delivered also by Mita Taupopoki, chief of Arawas, Tararangi Mita Kingi, of Wanganui, and the Bishop of Aotearoa, and the memorial was then blessed by Father Van Beck, assisted by Fathers Murphy and Kelly, while the hymn “ Abide With Me ” -was sung by St. Mary’s Choir, and “-Nearer My God to Thee” (in Maori) by the Maori Mission Choir.

The ceremony was concluded by Sir Apirana Ngata returning thanks to Sir Joseph Ward, who had made the journey from Wellington for the express purpose of doing,honour to the memory of Sir James Carroll.