TE AWAMUTU COURIER. Printed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, 2nd DECEMBER, 1936. “RANGATIRA” SEMPLE.

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3841, 2 December 1936, Page 4

TE AWAMUTU COURIER. Printed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, 2nd DECEMBER, 1936. “RANGATIRA” SEMPLE.

THE Maori possesses such an innate genius for the picturesque both in word and action that it is not surprising that in some instances he provides us with much food for thought and reflection, not to forget that he also at times caters for the gaiety of the nation. From the wild and rugged Urewera country comes word that last week, when the Hon. R. Semple was passing through the district of Rua, he was made “ the big rangatira ” with becoming ceremony, and first of all was presented with a mere. One shudders at the thought of the redoubtable Robert armed with a mere, the symbol of unchallenged and unchallengeable authority ! Mr Semple is of such a pugnacious nature and his xnethod of dealing with opposition, both political and industrial, so stinging and unorthodox that his opponents will surely tremble in their shoes now that he is invested with the authority of a Maori chief ! Fortunately, however, the Maoris displayed an appropriate regard to the unique circumstances, and also presented the Minister of Transport and Public Works with a miniature canoe and paddle—a happy thought which completed a presentation typical of all the activities of the Minister: a mere for authority, a canoe for team work, and a paddle for progress. Surely a symbolical presentation worthy of note. The canoe and paddle bring to mind the days long since passed when, as obtained in the Waipa district in the early period of colonisation, the network of rivers and creeks were the roads; when by means of the historic canoe men and goods were transported over hundreds of miles on these primitive, man-serving inland waterways. But the scene has changed' When Mr Seddon first visited the Urewera, and started the first road works, he rode on horse-back; now Mr Semple plans to transform the work of the great Liberal leader into a main motor-way—a first-class motor road upon which the respectable driver, the “ road hog,” and—(other thoughts not needed in print)—will speed their way with the spirits of the departed canoe-men looking on in awe and wonder from the shadows of the primeval and mysterious forest. And yet the scene may change once again. Who will be bold enough to deny, in view of the amazing developments of science as applied to transport during our day and generation, that the next Minister of Transport and Public Works may fly, while the giant birdmen hover in the pristine bush area through which Mr Seddon rode and Mr Semple motored.