Many Distinguished Maoris Honour Sir Apirana Ngata

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 May 1948, Page 6

Many Distinguished Maoris Honour Sir Apirana Ngata

(0.C.) Wellington, May 7 Rarely has there been such a distinguished gathering of, East Coast Maori tribal chiefs than there is at present in Wellington. They have accompanied Sir Apirana Ngata, M.A., LL.B, their leader, and tonight they, as well as many distinguished European men of letters, will pay him homage and tribute when Sir Apirana receives his Doctorate of Literature from the University of New’ Zealand. A feature of the ceremony, which is unique, is that Sir Apirana and his son, Captain Henare Ngata. will be capped together, the latter having graduated with the B.A. degree. The only other Maori to have received the Honorary Doctorate is Sir Peter Buck (Te Rangihiroa). While Sir Apirana is in Wellington he will visit Otaki in connection with the centennial celebrations of the historic church there. He will inspect the church on Sunday, when the centennial committee will seek his advice on internal repairs to the building and to the tukutuku (decorative reed patterns) panels. While nothing definite has been announced, it is believed Sir Apirana and East Coast chieftains will take the opportunity while in the city of waiting upon the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser), and submitting plans for a Ngati Porou welcome to Their Majesties, if, and when, the Royal visitors journey to that territory.