WESTERN MAORI SEAT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32301, 18 August 1943, Page 4

WESTERN MAORI SEAT

MR TUKUMARU RORETANA POSSIBLE LABOUR CANDIDATE Mr Tukumaru Roretana (Richard Rolleston), of Athenree, Katikati, has been nominated by the Ngaiterangi (Tauranga) and surrounding districts as a Labour candidate for the Western Maori seat at the forthcoming elections, if Mr Tokouru Ratana, the sitting member, withdraws. Mr Roretana is a son of a wellknown and highly-respected member of the Maori race, Roretana Kereti Te Moananui, and grandson of Hori Tupaea, known to Europeans as Mr Rolleston, •of Tauranga. He is 47 years of age and was educated at St. Stephen’s School, Auckland. Mr Roretana enlisted in the last war with the Auckland Regiment, and was later transferred to the Wellington and Otago Regiments, finally returning with- the Pioneer Battalion. He was a Rugby footballer of note in the 'Goldfields District, having represented Waihi, the Goldfields and later the Thames Valley for many years. He was also selected for North- Island trials, but because of an injury was unable to take part. Mi’ Roretana has given his assurance that unless Mr ‘Ratana resigns he will not be a candidate; and that he, together with the Tauranga branch of the Labour Party and the Ratanas of Tauranga, hopes that Mr Ratana will Again be able to defend his seat.