A WARM TRIBUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 52, 20 November 1946, Page 6

A WARM TRIBUTE

LATE HETARAKA MERITO

SIR APIRANA NGATA’S REMARKS

In connection with the death of the late Merito Hetaraka, it is interesting to note that Sir •' Apirana Ngata, an old colleague of the deceased, lost no time in hurrying to Whakatane, in order to be present at the traditional ceremonies associated with the decease of prominent tribal leaders. In spite of the intensity of his election campaign, the National candidate took a prominent part, and conveyed his deepest sympathy to the family and the tribe as a whole.

During his farewell oration, Sir Apirana referred to the deceased as one of nature’s perfect gentlemen. He told of his early and long association with Merito beginning from the time he first came to this district until his death, and because of the great respect and friendship he had for the deceased, he could not do other than attend the tangi. It may be mentioned to the great credit of Sir Apirana Ngata that though given the opportunity he never once made use of the gathering at the tangi for political purposes, but held strictly to what he came for—to pay his respects to a departed and highly respected friend.