MEMORIAL TO TURI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 179, 1 August 1933, Page 6

MEMORIAL TO TURI

THE UNVEILING CEREMONY TO-MORROW’S EVENT GALA DAY FOR BATEA, Celebrations io uiaik the unveiling of the Turi Memorial at Patea to-mor-row will be marked by quaint native ceremony and dignified European procedure. Ju the, eyes of the Maori, and in no lesser extent in the mind of his pakeha brother, the landing of 'Turi, the great navigator of the Pacific, was an event of importance. Certainly it was a happening in a past that is now very far away, but it meant much to this country and its future. Accordingly. Patea where the famous Turi first set foot, will see to it that to-morrow’s celebration fittingly commemorates that great event, and unveils a permanent reminder of something of national im portance. The Hon J. A. Young. Minister of Internal Affairs, has been charged with the duty of performing the unveiling. The complete programme for the day will be as follows; — A procession of natives, territorials, baz.ds. Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Brownies will leave the Church of Eng land corner at 2.45 p.m. sharp, for the site of the memorial at the Town Hall. Programme at Memorial Site. Chant by Tama Kehu, Tuarua and le Kaahui. . The Minister of Internal Affairs. Hon. J. A. Young, native chiefs and other visitors will then be welcomed by His Worship the Mayor and introduced to the assemblage. Speeches will be given by Tupito Maruera. Pananui Haurangaranga. Rima Whakarua, and R. G. Dickie. M.P., after which the. memorial will be. unveiled bv the Minister. The following programme will then bp given by the Maoris: (1) Haka by Whanganui 1 ribe led bv Tama Kehu. T • (2) Ngatapapawhero led by J. laia(3\ Poi dance led by Maihi Maruera. (4> Ngati-Ruanui poi led by Pananui

Haurangaranga. (5) Poi dance by Rangitaawhi Trioe led bv Pakirikiri. (6i" Poi dance by the Wallaby Boys led by Tuteri. m « i (7) Poi dance led by laua Tama-, rapa. _ ... (8) Poi dance by Ngaiauru Tribe led by Kiwa Jacob. (9) Taiaha display led by I • Hiku roa and Rev. Tongonui. (10) Finale.—-Haka Tewhatewba by Ng aura Tribe led by Whero. VICE-REGAL MESSAGE LORD BLEDISLOE S WISHES MANY MAORIS ASSEMBLING “May ail success attend your historic ceremony next Wednesday and may it help in cementing even more closely the brotherhood of Maori ana pakeha and fostering the pride of the former in their race and its traditions,” read a message sent by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, to those arranging the ceremony to bo held in conjunction with the unveiling of the Turi Memorial. More than 70 Maoris arrived at Patea from the Waitatara and Whenuakura districts yesterday. They were led by Mrs. E. Whakarua as they entered the town singing. They were met by Mrs. Pokau, on behalf of the Patea people, at the top of the hill, and conducted to their residences, ! which they will occupy during the fes- • tivities. • There arc now nearly 2uo Maoris i assembled in. Patea, the majority oi i whom have come from the south. The I northern tribes are expected to-day. Among those already in Patea are Maoris from the Aotea, Wanganui ■ River, Katana and Waitolara tribes.