TRIBUTES TO OFFICER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 91, 22 November 1939, Page 5

TRIBUTES TO OFFICER

MAORIS AND PAKEHAS FAREWELL FUNCTION Four hundred people, both Maoris and Pakehas, assembled/ in the Hine Rauhui Hall at thej Hekerangi Pa, Te Teko, recently to pay their tributes to a very popular police officer, Constable T. J. Cummings, who officially retires on the 12th of March after serving in this district for 29 years. The people danced until 11 o'clock when two presentations took place. Mr P. W. (Pai) Warbrick, in offering to Constable Cummings a token from the Maoris, said that those present had gathered to bid farewell to a most distinguished and popular officer who had been among them for 29 years. "Constable Cummings," said Mr Warbrick, "gave us many hard knocks but he was always fair and honest and carried out his duties to the letter of the law. Through his retirement, the old people, especially the natives, will miss him most. . Officer's Efforts. Continuing. Mr Warbrick spoke of the first days in Constable Cummings' term in Whakatane. when there was only the one road (Roto-rua-Whakatane) and no bridges at all. Travel at that time was hard but the constable Avoukl ride out whenever required. It was hard for the Maoris to get out and matters such as the filling-in of pension papers had to be left until Mr Cum mings came out. It was no part of the constable's duties to do that sort of thing but he spent hours every day assisting the Maoris, and when he rode out to Te Teko the natives were looking for him. "I have never heard of one being turn ed down," said Mr WaLlbrick.

Mr Wallbriek then presented Constable Cummings with a beautifully carved walking stick, which had been cut out of one root. It is a superb example of the Maori art, with the centre, inlaid, revealing perfect and patient craftsmanship.

Tane Kakara and Eruera Harotc also spolte for the Maoris.

Further Presentation,

Mr Charles F. Eivers, in speech, referred to the patience, tact, efficiency, and kindness of Con stable Cummings. "We are fortunate to have had such an energetic police officer among us. It didn't matter what time he w r as called, he would always come out. The people in this district, both Maori and Pakeha, have always had the greatest confidence and trust in him."

Mr Eivers recalled incidents illustrating the regard with which Mr Cummings is held in the Te Teko district, and said that both races

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would miss his personality, and his ability. On behalf of the people in the hall and the others of the surrounding country who bad found it impossible to attend, Mr Eivers presented Mrs Cummings with a handbag and a handsome cheque. Constable Replies. Constable Cummings, in replying for himself and his wife, remarked on the co-operation he had always received from Te Telto. He said that he had invariably been accorded a courteous and helpful reception at the homes of the settlers and at the Maori pahs and though at times the going was hard, he had pulled through and had endeavoured to discharge his duties in the manner required of him. Supper Served. An excellent. supper was served, this being handed round by g%Ts. of both races, and dancing continu— ail.