GISBORNE MEMORIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1929, Page 8

GISBORNE MEMORIAL

TO SIR J. CARROLL. 'By Tclojjraph—Press Association). GISBORNE, -March 3. At the I liii to-day, large parties of the Arawas, under Chief Meta Taupo poki, and of the Ngapuhis, arrived in camp last night. Rua. the -Maori prophet, is also in camp, having arrived with Taboos. In ideal weather, perhaps the largest crowd ever seen in Gisborne numbering many thousands, assembled this afternoon at tin* tomb of Sir James Carroll .for the unveiling of his; memorial, the ceremony being perform ed by Sir Joseph Ward. After ouHtining in an eloquent speech the life history of Sir James Carroll, and .paying a tribute to the great work done by the deceased statesman, both for the Maori race and for the Pakelia, Sir Joseph Ward said that Sir James Carroll was n good-natured man, and was one of the lust examples of the co-mingling of the two races in New Zealand. He was a leader who did a. great deal in bringing about an understanding between the native race and the white people. Ho was an orator of the first order, one of the best speakers that New Zealand ever had. His native policy, although criticised in some quarters at the time, has been proved to be in the best interests of the race. In his death the country lost a New Zealand statesman and the .Maori people lost a good Rangitira. He was a generous opponent, as well as a loyal and sincere friend. He remained a stalwart adherent to the high tradition of the Liberal Party throughout his career. Sir James Carroll was u staunch patriot, and stood four square for King and country. After outlining Sir James Carroll’s history in sport Sir Joseph Ward wem on to say that the keynote of Sii .James Carroll’s policy was, in short the harmonising of noth the races ant. the gradual- evolution of the Maori race in line with modern conditions Sir James Carroll was an able statesman, a polished gentleman and loyal friend. Those who esteemed him hat put on record the monument that he had to unveil that day. Sir James had left behind him a memory unblem islied. He was one who had done his duty in every way on behalf of the white peolpe of New Zealand. Sir Joseph then unveiled the large handsome Coromandel granite monument, suitably inscribed in Maori and European. Eloquent adresses were delivered also by Mita Taupopoki, the Chief of the Arawas; Tararangi, Mita Kingi of Wanganui; and-the Bishop of Aotearoa; and the memorial was then blessed by the Rev. Father Van Beck assisted by the Rev. Fathers Murphy and Kelly, while the hymns “Abide With Ale’’ were sung by St. Mary’s Cboir, and “Nearer My God to Thee’ (in Maori) by the Maori Mission Choir.

The ceremony concluded hy Sir A. Ngata returning thanks to Sir Joseph Ward, who had made the journey from Wellington for the express purpose of doing honour to the memory of Sir James Carroll.