MAORI SOLDIER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20107, 29 November 1939, Page 8

MAORI SOLDIER

EAST COAST FAREWELL WALLET PRESENTED (Herald Correspondent.) Mr. -Sherborne and members of the Tokararangi Football Club arranged a public farewell on Saturday night to Mr. Paratene W. Kohcre, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Kohcre. East Cape, who has been called to the Maori N.C.O. camp at Trentham. The Rongomai-apui carved hall was crowded with gay young dancers, both European and Maori. Large parties came from Rangitukia and I-licks Bay.

Songs were sung by Miss Mana Thompson and Mr. George Tuau. In a short speech the Rev. P. M. Kohere informed the people of the step being taken to provide Maori soldiers with Bibles and prayer-books, lie hoped all his sons and nephews would soon bo called up.

Mr. R. T. Kohere expressed pleasure at seeing so many present to bid good-bye to the first Maori from their district to go into camp. Mr. 'l'u Mahue. after handing a wallet to the guest of the evening, pointed out that the departing soldier was only following in the footsteps of his ' uncle, Lieutenant Ilenare Kohere. who made the supreme sacrifice during tlie Great War. Mr. Tenc Kohere suitably replied. Mr. Tone Kohere was educated at To Ante College and since then has been on his father’s sheep station. He has been a prominent member of the Tokararangi Football Club and was captain for some years. He also played for the Matakaoa sub-union representatives and on two or three occasions was the captain. Mr. Charles Fox’s orchestra played the music and Mr. Enoka Potae was the M.C. Mesdames H. J. Dewes, Wanoa. Poi, and helpers provided supper.