MR THOMAS MATENGARO HETET

Te Ao Hou, March 1960, Page 3

MR THOMAS MATENGARO HETET Mr Thomas Matengaro Hetet, one of the most popular and respected men in the Northern King Country, died in hospital at Te Kuiti on January 24th. He was 64 years of age. Mr Hetet occupied a unique position in the district, in that he was an acklowledged leader both amongst the Maori people, whose interests he did a great deal to further, and also in the general community, where he took a prominent part in local body, church, sporting, R.S.A. and other district activities. Mr Hetet was a Te Kuiti borough councillor for over 21 years, and for several of these was chairman of the finance committee. Mr Hetet took a leading part in Te Kuiti lodge activities, and for many years was the guiding hand of the Manchester Unity Lodge. A few years ago, his work for the Manchester Unity Lodge was recognised by his appointment to the position of Grand Master for New Zealand. He was prominent in the affairs of St Luke's Anglican Church, holding at one time the position of vicar's warden. He served in World War I when well under age, had an outstanding war record, and rose to the rank of Captain in the Maori Battalion. Mr Hetet was of vital influence on the Maniapoto Tribal Committee, of which he was for many years chairman. Highly regarded by Maori and pakeha alike, he greatly advanced the interests of his race. Mr Hetet was popular throughout his life. Much sympathy is expressed to Mrs Hetet and her family; Joy (Mrs Grandison-Biggs) of Auckland, and Aki of Otorohanga.