Mr Rangiataahua Royal

Te Ao Hou, September 1965, Page 63

Mr Rangiataahua Royal Mr Rangiataahua Kiniwe Royal, O.B.E., M.C. and bar, died suddenly at his home in Rotorua on 8 July. He was aged 68. The first Controller of Maori Welfare in the Maori Affairs Department, Wellington, Mr Royal was the person originally responsible for laying the foundations of the Maori Welfare Division of the Maori Affairs Department. His strength and honesty of purpose, his outstanding administrative ability and the genial warmth of his friendship won him widespread respect and affection. Mr Royal was born at Otaki in August 1897, and after attending the Otaki primary school moved to Hauraki, where he attended the Thames and Paeroa High Schools. In 1912 he became the country's first Maori scoutmaster. He joined the Maori Affairs Department at Rotorua in 1916 and during his earlier years in the department he served as interpreter, consolidation officer and field development officer. Mr Royal served in France in World War I and was discharged in 1919 with the rank of lieutenant. He was one of the first officers to volunteer at the outbreak of World War II, and served with distinction as major in the 28th Maori Battalion commanding B Company. In Crete he was awarded the Military Cross for valour in leading a bold charge against German paratroopers at Suda Bay, and later in the Libyan campaign was given a bar to the decoration. In 1945 he was appointed Controller of Maori Welfare and played a prominent part in the framing of the Maori Social and Economic Advancement Act of that year. In 1956 Mr Royal retired to Rotorua. In 1964 he was awarded the O.B.E. for his services to the

Maori people. In the world of sport Mr Royal had an outstanding record. He played Rugby for a Maori team in France and England during World War I, and before that was an Auckland representative five-eighth. He was selected for the 1922 All Black team in New Zealand, but was unable to play because of an injury. Later Mr Royal organised the first Maori cricket team to play in first class matches, and was a Rotorua and South Auckland representative. He also represented the district in rowing. During his active years Mr Royal was a member of the Maori Advisory Board of the New Zealand Rugby Union, and on the national executives in hockey, tennis and golf, and organised the Maori Lawn Tennis Association. In 1922 he married Te Puhi o Rakaiora Taiaroa, daughter of the Hon. K. Taiaroa of Otago. He is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters.