NOTED NAVIGATOR

Hokitika Guardian, 20 June 1933, Page 6

NOTED NAVIGATOR

MEMORIAL TO TURI

REPLICA OF AOTEA CANOE

NEW {PLYMOUTH, June 10.

Historically cofleet iit the- details of its construction 'and-,, decorative symbol,;, a memorial ■ to the famous Poly-lm-’ian navigator, Turi, in the form cf a -replica of the Aotea canoe, is in course cf construction ''at Patca. t

Jl'he memorial is composed of six ornamental pil’l arts of concrete, faced with boulders, supporting a canoe 55ft. long and sft. wide. The mow attachment, or tdiiihu, which is being worked in concrete at Haivera, is more thaii half finished.

It features two large scroll deeigns which typify speed, and a grotesque projecting figure. The detail work between the scrolls and in other parts is being car; fully executed to conform with photographs of the carvings preserved in the museums at Auckland and Wellington. It is expected that the- prow will be completed shortly for removal to Patcii. Work will he commenced later on the stern attachment, or taurapa. A request that the unveiling of the memorial on July 19 he part oi a gala day, with a programme of liakas, pois and historical tableaux, was made by a native deputation to the Patea Borough Council. The council lias agreed to the request. Turi was a famous navigator and warrior, unsurpassed id Maori traditoin for valour and determination, and was a founder of the Maori race in New Zealand. He settled at Patca following lii's ]3OO-mile voyage from Raetatoa in the war 0an0.3, Aotea. Turi fortified the* headland to the ROiith of Patea. River and the descendants of the migration still reside in the district.,.