A MAORI TRIBUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 35, 22 December 1944, Page 5

A MAORI TRIBUTE

MESSAGE OF FAREWELL

Speaking for the Maori race at the d'arewell to Mr 'Pete' Sisam last Friday evening, Mr Albert Stewart said that, all realised that in Mr Sisam they were losing someone who had .given them great, help in the past. They wished him luck in his new sphere ani'd continued prosperity. His advice in the interests of the Maori race and particularly the farming community had always been : greatly valued.

"I don't think that an occasion like this should be. passed without some reference to the Sisam family," said Mr J. Creeke who also spoke for the Maori race. He went on to say that Mr 'Pete' Sisam's .grandfather had been a Constable in the Eastern Bay at a time when relations bptween the two races had almost reached breaking point. The position was most delicate and it. •was thought the tactful handling of the situation by the original Constable Sisam and men like him made for the happier and more tolerant relations existing today, Mr Creeke referred to the great tract of land their diplomacy and understanding to mollify the outraged feelings of the. Maoris in this district. That *they had done so was a tribute to their diplomacy and understanding •of tjie Maori viewpoint..