LATE SIR MAUI POMARE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18659, 30 August 1930, Page 8

LATE SIR MAUI POMARE.

FOUR-HOUR TRIBUTE TO NOTED MAORI. FLOOD OF ORATORY. By Telegraph—Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, August 29. Maoris and Pakehas, native visitors from every part of the North Island, and Parliamentarians from various parts of both Islands, leaders of the House of Representatives, the jjeader of the Legislative Council, and e.’ery shade of political opinion contributed a wealth of sympathy and appreciation to the family of Sir Maui Pomare at Waitara. Most of the speeches were in Maori. Some were given in English and translated into Maori by the interpreters. In some cases the speakers gave alternative versions in Maori and English. Altogether about four hours were absorbed in the expression of this vast tribute, and there were still many more speakers who would have contributed their quota of oratory had time permitted. Sir Apirana Ngata, Minister of Native Affairs, commenced in the English tongue by welcoming Mr Coates and the other members of the Parliamentary party. Sir Apirana proceeded to address the gathering most eloquently in the Maori tongue, interposing on two occasions a long sustained chant of farewell. Several other members of the Parliamentary Party addressed the assemblage in terms of regret at the death of their friend. Their remarks, with the exception of those of Mr K. S. Williams «Bay of Plenty) who spoke iu the Native tongue, were translated by interpreters.” “I am sorry for the cause that brings us to your courtyard, and to the courtyard of the ancestors of a man who stands in high repute amongst both pakeha and Maori, from rortn Cape to the Bluff,” said the Hon. J. G. Coates. Few men, he continued, had done more than Sir Maui to bring about a sympathetic feeling of understanding between the Maori people of New Zealand and the pakeha. Few men had done more to stay the surging feeling of discontent and distrust that was clouding rile Maori people, or smoothed out the way for better feeling between the two reces. The ceremony continued throughout th? day. The chief rites will be performed tomorrow. but it is probable that the ashes will be committed to the vault on Monday.