Carving for past soldiers

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 430, 31 March 1992, Page 8

Carving for past soldiers

Representatives from the Auckland Branch of 3 New Zealand Division Association (3 NZ Div Ass) visited Waiouru over the period of 24 - 25 March. The purpose of the visit was to present a 'tabu' a carved male figure, to the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess and to Vella LaVella Barracks. The 'tabu' was placed in Vella LaVella Barracks and in the mess in memory of soldiers from the Third NZ Division who were killed on Vella Island during the Pacific Campaign. Included with the visiting party was Major General W S McKinnon, CB, CBE, the patron of 3 NZ Div Ass, and the commander, Support

Command, Brigadier Dodson, MC who received the presentations. General McKinnon said to the occupants of the Barracks that his visiting group are soldiers of the past and were glad to meet soldiers of 1992. He said he wouldn't expect young soldiers of today to know the battles of New Zealand at war, but said all soldiers should be proud of the traditions of the New Zealand Army and the reputation of performing with dedication, competence and vigour. The 'tabu' was presented to the 3 NZ Div Ass on Anzac Day 1970 from a delegation from New Caledonia in recog-

nition of the friendship developed between members of the division and citizens of New Caledonia (between 1942-44). During World War II, the third NZ Division established its base in New Caledonia and then launched a series of sea-

borne attacks to remove Japanese Forces who had occupied the Solomon Island group. The 'tabu' was carved by the paramount carver from New Caledonia, Pomina. In pre-European days the 'tabu' represented an ancestral figure With a sacred quality.