WINNER OF OTAKI SHIELD GIVEN WARM WELCOME

Chronicle (Levin), 3 August 1948, Page 2

WINNER OF OTAKI SHIELD GIVEN WARM WELCOME

Small* Ship's Gallant Fight Recalled ] i The winner of the Otaki Shield, allocated annually by the Robert Gordon College, Aberdeen, Scotland, Mr. Duncan W. Moir, was a visitor to Otaki on Friday afternoon, when he was entertained by the Mayor, Mr. C. F. Atmore, members of the Otaki Borough ;Council and representatives of lobal organisations. j On arrival Mr. Moir was taken to the Maori Church, where Rev. P. Temuera, together with elders of the church, welcomed him. MrTemuera congratulated the visitor on attaining such a high honour, and stated that it gave him extreme pleasure, on behalf of the Rangiatea, to tender a warm and cordial welcome "to the country from which the brave ship Otaki hailed. This little village, after whose name the ship was called, is greatly honoured by your visit." Mr. Temuera explained the history of the ancient church, "the only building of its kind in the whole world," and described the man-handling of its giant timbers. "This church is a 'true and genuine creation of a native 'master buiider, a wonderful example of artcraft and architecture." He related how, back in the original home of the Maori forebears, a soil was brought from beneath the ancient altar of the Supreme Being they believed in and worshipped, and that soil is buried beneath this church." Mr. Temuera concluded by adding that ten years a'fter the completion of the building of the church the late Queen Victoria presented an altar covering to be used in the Rangiatea. Mr. Moir chowed the keenest interest in the church and thanked Mr. ■ Temuera for his helpful explanation, stating that he would ever remember the noble and mspiring edifice. Mr. Moir was then taken to the State School, where senior pupils of both schools, State and Convent, were assembled. The Mayor, Mr. Atmore, introduced the Dux of Robert Gordon Coliege, and reviewed the gallant action fought by the merchantman Otaki when attacked by a German raider in 1917. Mr. J. E. James, headmaster, welcomed the visitor on behalf of the staff and pupils. Mr. Moir acknowledged the welcomes tendered him, and won the admiration of pupiis by answering numerous questions. Following attendance at the school, the visitor, who was accom'panied by Mr. Spencer, head prefect of Scots' Coliege, and by Mr. Beresford, of the lnternal Affairs Department, was entertained at afternoon tea at the Council Chambers. Mr. Atmore, in weleoming the visitor, stated that it was easy to realise that he was of a type that was endowed with the qualities of leadership which had been possessed by Captain Bissett-Smith, the commander of the gallant ship, whose deeds Mr. Atmore recalled. He congratulated Mr. Moir on the honour of being the pupil selected as the winner of the Otaki Shield; and was sure he was worthy of it. Mr. Atmore hoped his visit would be happy and enjoyable, and that he would taka- back happy recollections of his short stay in Otaki. Mr. Atmore also tendered a welcome to Mr. Spencer and to Mr. Beresford. Mr. Moir was warmly applauded

—7 ' . on rising to l'eply, and offered his sincere thanks for the welcome accorded him. "Otaki," he said,'"is • a very • f amiliar name to all who attend the Robert Gordon Coliege in Aberdeen. There is a case containing the much-coveted shield and a photo of the late Captain Srriith outside the coliege gymnasium, which is the centre of activity at the school. Eyerybody sees the name of Captain Smith and the name Otaki daily, and we gain affection for both names,' as naturally, Captain Smith is the hero of the school." He continued to relate that the whole scheme was regarded as an admirable one, and that the fo(unders were to be greatly commended inasmuch as the keenest competition took place, and such a marveilous trip provided added incentive for all boys to give of their utmost. "The masters have to exercise great care when making their" selection, and every boy " gets a chance," continued the speaker. "All angles of school work are considered, sports, organising* abilit^, prefect's work and many other factors." Mr. Moir conveyed greetings from last year's visitor, Peter Cruickshank, and concl'uUed by repeating his thanks to all who had so kindly taken part in the welcome. He added that all sorts of questions would be asked about New Zealand, and particularly Otaki on his return. Mr. H. B. Edhouse, representing the Otaki R.S.A., joined the welcome. He added that the'link with Aberdeen reminded him and others of the happy times spent in Edinburgh in 1914-1918. Brigadier-General R. Young also endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, and congratulated Mr. Moir on his splendid address. "I think I foresee a future Prime Minister in this lad," added General Young amidst applause, "and Otaki is indeed proud to have boys of such a grand type visiting us." General Young suggested that photographs of the shield winners should be sought and hung in the , Council Chambers, and that views of Otaki could be forwarded - to Aberdeen in exchange. Mr. G. Hast, of Otaki Beach, stated that he was proud to be associated with the welcome. He had been a fellow shipmate of Captain Smith 46 years ago, and had retained- the friendship until 1917. Mr. Utiku Hapeta, through Mr. R. Carkeek as interpreter, extended greetings , pirJae$afiUojL Jije, race to "an, ambassador from the land of our Queen," and added that the Maoris would derive great pleasure from the knowledge that Mr. Moir had visited their church. He hoped the trip to both islands would be a happy one and extended greetings to the head prefect from Scots College, Mr. Spencer. Mr. Spencer replied and thanked all for the very cordial welcome. He said it gave his college great pleasure to have the privilege of entertaining the guest of the afternoon. "It is truly an honour to be associated with him. He really is a good chap." On behalf of the lnternal AfFairs Department, Mr. Beresford briefly thanked all associated with the welcome. j An apology was tendered on , behalf of the Mayoress, Dr. E. G. Atmore. Arrangements for the welcome were in the capable hands of the town clerk, Mr. Alex. Wilson, and a delightful afternoon tea was served by Mrs. . J. Royal.