WAVERLEY NEWS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17212, 13 February 1918, Page 4

WAVERLEY NEWS.

AX IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) FEBRUARY 10, 1918. A very interesting ceremonj' was per* formed at the native settlement at Ngutinvera this afternoon, when me monument ei'ected by the Ngarur.t tribe to the memory of its late chief was unveiled. The Service was conducted by the Rev. Robert Haddon, 'n. the presence of a large gathering Ot Maoris and Europeans. Opened with a well-known hymn sung in Maori, ana followed by a very impressive address delivered by this girted speaker, the solemn cerfemony will be long remembered by those who were privileged i-> be present. From a flagstaff close by the Aotea native flag was flying Jaaif mast in memory of the great pioneers of the race who left Hawaiki thousands of years ago on their adventurous voyage over the unknown seas. Next, the Union Jack was hoisted, while the assembly sang the National Anthem, followed closely by the flag of the Maori contingent—which seemed to sfcir the Maoris verydeeply. Last of all the New Zealand ensign went up. Tha Rev. Haddon paid a very high tribute '"* to the memory of the departed Chief, whom he described as a friend Lo Maori and Pakelia, a father to his tribe and sterling honest man in all his transactions. In thanking the Pakeha section of the gathering for being present, the speaker said that throughout the whole of his ministry it had been his ambition to see the two races mote closely united, and, slowly perhaps, but surely, his ambition was being realised. They had fought side by side, died and were buried side by side on the Empire's battlefields; and as time roiled on he thought that without a doubt the two races would be fused into one. After the benediction was pronounced the gathering dispersed. Many of the

visitors Mere entertained at afternoon, tea which was served in a large marquee.

Mr. C. Oliver, a well known business man in WaverJey, died suddenly on Saturday evening.

Giving to the illness of their facto-y manager, the Te Huia .suppliers were obhged^to cart their milk to the Xgutnwera factory this morning. Forton.'•teiy. the fall in the supply at both factories made it possible to 'doublebank.'