HONORING TE HEUHEU.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1923, Page 5

HONORING TE HEUHEU.

MONUMENT UNVEILED. BY GOVERNOR-GENERAL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Tokaanu, Last Night. Natives from almost every part of the North Island assembled this morning at Tokaanu, Lake Taupo, in connection with the unveiling of a monu ment to the late Hon. Te Heuheu Tokino by the Governor-General. A typical native welcome was extended to Hia Excellency, a stalwart party giving a spirited, haka. Addressing Hi«s Excellency, Hoani Heuheu, son of the late Heuheu, thanked him for the honor of his presence, and called upon the Ngati Tuwharctoas to give a dance and song oT welcome.

The Governor said he appreciated the honor done him in inviting him to be present, and referred to the loyalty of Heuheu and his people to the Empire; also to the beautiful Tongariro National Park, given by Heuheu’s father and completed by himself, whieh was a grand lasting monument to his memory. His Excellency also referred to Te Heuheu’s gift of forty thousand acres for the nerds of Maori returned soldiers

Lord Jeliicoe then proceeded to unveil the memorial, saying: ‘To the glory of God. and in memory of Te Heuheu, I unveil this monument.” His Excellency stood at the salute while a hymn was sung by the Maori-choir.

The monument bears the following inscription: “Here lies Te Heuheu. Ta Heuheu lives.” followed by the ancien* Maori proverb: “Tongariro the moun tain, Taupo the lake, Tuwharetoa the tribe, Te Heuheu the man.” Tn consecrating the stone, the Rev Father Callaghan said the greatest gift to man was that of being a peacemaker, and Heuheu had that gift.

The unveiling of the flag followed, a nominated member from each of the seven canoes of the great migration performing the ceremony. The flag of the Heuheu was then hoisted.