WHARF AT RAPAKI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17282, 25 September 1916, Page 3

WHARF AT RAPAKI.

OPENED ON SATURDAY. NAMED GALLffOLI JETTY. An interesting function took place at Unpaid, Lyttelton, on Saturday afternoon, when the opportunity was taken to opon tho jetty recently constructed by the Lyttelton Harbour Board. The .vharf, which is constructed of good timbers, is, including tho approach, about 190 foot long, with a width of five feet. Tho structuro is so placed chat it should be accessible in southerly weather, while tho depth of water kvill vary from /3ft bin to 12ft 6in, enabling tlio majority of the feny vessels to berth safely alongside at any tideThe Maoris at the pa had made elaborate arrangements for the function on Saturday, 'lhe launch Purau was placed ut the disposal of mombors of the Haroour Board and visitors. There was a large attendance, including Mr M. J. Millar, chairman of the board, the Hon A. Moore, M.L.C., and Mr J. J. Graham, Mayor of Woolston, members of Jie board, Mr Cyrus J. R. Williams, 3'igineer and secretary to the board, (Japtain A. H Thorpe, harbourmaster and Mr W. Radcliffe, Mayor of Lyttelton.

On the arrival of the official party the Maoris gave a haka, which was followed by speeches of welcome by Messrs Te One Watson and Paani M'Ronnie. The coremony of declaring the jetty .•pen to traffic was entrusted to Mrs „\I. J. Miller, wife of the chairman, ivho was presented by Miss Te Ao Manihero with a pair of silver scissors. In breaking the bluo ribbon Mrs Miller named tho structure " Gallipoli Jetty," m honour of the Maoris who had sacrificed their lives on the poninsula. Subsequently those present adjourned tu tho Te Wheke Hall, where Mr Paani Al'Kenzie, on behalf of the Natives of Rapaki, thanked the Harbour Board for undertaking the construction of the jetty, which would prove of considerable benefit to the residents. In expressing tho appreciation of the Lyttelton Harbour Board of tho invitation of the Rapaki Maoris, Mr M. J. .Miller said he had long felt that the opportunity had arrived for improved facilities at tho pa. By the erection of Gallipoli Jetty the dangercus landing on the rocks would be avoided, and ho was sure the structure would last many He congratulated the staff on the workmanship. Mr Miller said that he offered no apology for stressing the claims of the 3laoris. Their loyalty and sacrifice in tho present crisis were beyond dispute, ana the Lyttelton Harbour Board in carrying out the construction of the new jetty was indeed showing its appreciation of their patriotism. He knew that many of those present had lost friends at the front, while others held important positions in the Army, but all had upheld tho traditions of their race. The speaker in conclusion said he hoped the advent of the jetty would be th.» commencement of other improvement? in the pa. (Applaiise.) The Hon R. Moore and Messrs Williams, Graham and Radcliffe also spoke. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies and tho proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem, and a haka by the Natives.