MAORIS WHO FOUGHT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3338, 17 November 1919, Page 6

MAORIS WHO FOUGHT.

MONUMENT ‘AT :T’E KUITI.

TE KUITI, Nov. 14.

An interesting ceremony took place in Te‘ Kuiti on Tuesday afternoon. when, in the presence of a large number of people, the monument which has been erected as a tribute to the men of the Maniapoto trilbe who fought and fell in the great war, was unveiled. On the monument are inscribed the names of all those from this district who took part in the war. A It was a notable .ga/the:-ing, Maoris from all parts coming to attend the ceremony. In many ways the scene‘

was a. striking one.. The Hon. Dr M. Pomare, who unveiled the monument,_said they were gathered togther that day to pay homage to the valour of their brave boys, living .and dead. The noble sacrifice ‘ that these brave soldiers had performed was one of unfading glory. He was proud to say that althwtigh conscription had been applied to the Maoris as well as to‘the pakehas, not one conscripted Maori left New Zeay land. The service that the Mao:-is had ~ rendered to the Empire had been :1! voluntary service in which they gladly { bore an equal share of the battle and . the strife with the pakehas. He was I sorry that after all the heroic sacrifices that had been made political strife should still be heard in the land, and he would say: “Away with it! Away . with it!” i In conclusion, he greeted them as“ “Friends, All,” and Wished them “Kia. Ora.” _ 4 '.Short speeches were also’ deliverozle by Mr VV. T. Jennings, M.P., the Mayor, Mr Salmon, Captain \7el‘(:(-(2, Mr W’. Lorigan, and several Maori chiefs. ‘ The monument was dedicated by the Rev. Pene Topi.