A MAORI FUNCTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1923, Page 2

A MAORI FUNCTION.

MEMORIAL UNVEILED. [ B y TKLKOUA I'II—CHIt I’RKSS ASSOCIATION.] TOKAANU, April 30. For some days past, natives from almost every part of tlie North Island have been congregating at. Tokaauu, Lake Taupe, in connection with the unveiling of a monument to the late Hon To Heuliou Tokino. The scene, bv the sparkling waters of the Taupo, was most picturesque. I lie lake 1-ij placid and shimmering in the sun. Jn the distance towered Tauhara Mountain, from the top of which To Hcuheu’s ancestors laid claim to the hike. Around the monument were the . children of seven canoes of the Great Migration, assembled to do honour to the leader of the Maori race.

This morning a typical native welcome was extended to His Excellency. A stalwart party, GO strong, gave a spirited haka, and then recedel. His Excellency and liis party were the centre of a inarae.

Addressing His Excellency, Hoanl Heuheu, the son of the late Heuheu said: “Greetings, O Governor! Tho Heuheu family and all the Ngati-tu-whnreton greet you. AVc thank your Excellency for the honour you have -y*" done us in coming here to-day. Tt is a true mark of respect for our dead. Welcome to our village, by tho shore of the great lake. See with the eye of the spirit the perilous journeys of our ancestors, from far distant Hawafki, and you will know then why it is we love this land, won for us by our forefathers. 1 call upon my people, the children of the warrior chiefs of old, to greet the great man of the Pakehns in the Alaori way. Show them that tho spirit of the race is not dead.”

Then, once again, the haka party gave a dance and a song of welcome <• to His Excellency.

The Governor said he appreciated the honour done him in inviting him to bo present. He thought it fitting that His Majesty's representative should perform the ceremony, lieeauso of the loyalty of Heuheu and his people to the Empire. They were present to honour a great chieftain, patriot, wise legislator and counsellor of the Alaori people, and a man of greatpublic spirit. On his way. His Excellency said, )ic had seen evidence of that spirit in the beautiful Tongariro National Park, given by Heuheu's father, and completed by himself. That, in itself, was a. grand lasting monument to his memory. His Excellency had heard also of his people’s gilt of 40,000 acres for the needs ot the -Maori returned soldiers. Heuheu’s last words were in support of the Government. AVcll did his peoplo carry out that behest, as shown by the part {flayed bv the Alaori battalion. The tribe had distinguished itself in war. “Let us hope,” said His Excellency, “that the Ngali-tu-wliare-toa will equally distinguish itself in the days of peace. The gathering today and the accompanying ceremony illustrated, not only the comradeship ' of the Maori and the Pakelia, but also the unity as between the different races of the Empire. Let that unity prevail, and the Brilish Empire would live for ever. Let there he one cause, one King, one flag. Kiamau Tarolia, Kia Ora! To ihe glory of God and in. memory .of To Heuheu, I unveil this monument.”

His Excellency stood at tho salute, while a hymn was sung by a Alaori c-lioir.

The monument bears the inscription, “Here lies Te Heuheu. To Heuheu lives.” This is followed hv the -ancient ATaori proverb: “Tongariro the mountain, Taupo the lake. Tuwharetoa the tribe. He Heuheu the man!” The stone was consecrated by tlio" Rev Father Callaghan, who said: The greatest gift to man was that of being a peacemaker. Ho»heu had that gift. He did not regard it. as the pro* rocative of the church to preaefi peace and goodwill, but himself exercised tho gift to the utmost of his ability. The unveiling of the flag"'followed, a nominated member from each of tho seven canoes of tho great migration performing the ceremony. The flag of tho Hmiheu wn; then hasted.