“THE SAGA OF NGARIMU”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 33, 26 May 1947, Page 4

“THE SAGA OF NGARIMU”

(A tribute to 2nd Lieut. Koana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu, first Maori winner of the Victoria Cross). Listen, G people of Maoriland, To a tale of valor unfold; Be proud my Maori brothers Of a modern warrior bold, Let the hakas shake the earth. When you gather on the maraes, Let the maidens chant the saga Of Ngarimu ’neath foreign skies, Defiant on Tebaga’s height Holding the foe at bay; Standing, like Manipoto Of ancient Maori lay!

Shouting the tribal battle-cry, He held his gallant Band Up the steep face of Tebaga hill ’Gainst modern foe in far-off land; Through murderous fire as guns spat death ’Gainst blinding flash that left no trace Ever in front he reached the crest, First up in that mad race! A fleeting silhouette he made Against the African sky, A symbol of Maori courage, Magnificent—immortal, That shall never die! On against the deadly gunsAs men fell at his side, Hurling death before him He cleared a pathway, wide, Till the crest at last was won, The foe, forced to retire; For none could stand before that rush Of brown-skinned battle ire!

Reinforced the foe came back, “Engage them man for man! Fight on and on as our fathers did!” Cried Ngarimu, as he forward ran. Maori challenge and Nazi taunt Rose o’er, the din of shot and shell, And brave men died to hold the line Thru a night of blazing hell!

With tommy gun and jagged rocks From a breach he drove them back Regrouped his dwindling force—held on, Repelled each new attack! Morning came—once more the 'foe Attacking front and flanks Found on Tebaga’s height, Ngarimu’s depleted ranks. Two unwounded comrades Rallied to his final call; Three grim defiant warriors Giving battle unto all! Beneath a hail of lead He finally went down, Defiant unto death, Worthy of a victor’s crown! Help came too late to save him But of this all men shall know; With empty guns beside him He lay—face to the foe!

Thus died the gallant Ngarimu Noble son of noble race; An honoured name of Empire Traditional lore, to grace. First of his illustrious people To win that glorious prize The Victoria Cross—“ For Valour,” For glory—that never dies.

Sleep on O gallant Ngarimu! Resting far from native shore The spirits of the ancient past Watch o’er thy place for evermore! Around thee sleep the brave ones, Comrades of a glorious stand, In modern battle-dress they join The great ones—on that other strand.

Rejoice, O people of Maoriland! Salute brave Ngarimu! Let Maori and pakeha alike Accord him a hero’s due! For his was the mighty courage Of immortal Manipoto, “I will fight on against you forever” Was his challenge to the foe. Down the ages, may his story Inspire each generation, new; A Bronze cross—forever tell ' The Saga of Ngarimu! William Richard Whiteside-