FOR VALOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 October 1943, Page 3

FOR VALOUR

V.C. INVESTITURE IMPRESSIVE GATHERING AT RUATORIA DECORATIONS PRESENTED TO MAORIS (By Telegraph—Press Association.) RUATORIA, October 6. The Victoria Cross awarded posthumously to his son, 2nd Lieutenant Nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu, of the Second N.Z. Expeditionary Force, was presented to Mr Hamuera Ngarimu by the Gov-ernor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, at Ruatoria today. Six thousand people, Maori and pakeha, who came from all parts of the Dominion to pay homage to the memory of the first Maori to receive the Empire’s highest award for valour in battle, watched the investiture. which took place on a dais in Whakarua Park.

His Excellency was attended by his aide. Captain H. G. Helmore, the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, and service chiefs. Amid applause he handed the decoration to Mr Ngarimu and shook hands with him and his wife, who also had a place on the platform. The gathering was larger than that at the Waitangi celebrations several years ago. Though the weather looked promising when the ceremonies began, showers fell at intervals. They were not of long duration, but sufficiently heavy to make conditions decidedly unpleasant. By midday the enclosure where the ceremony took place was a quagmire.

The Governor-General said that by their deeds the Maoris had won fame in the history of the war, and their exploits would be remembered for all time They had given incontestable proof of the unity of the British Empire. Some of the Maoris would never return, and it fell to their lot to make the greatest sacrifice of all and join their ancestors. It was hoped their sacrifice would not be in vain. In making the award of the Victoria Cross the King was not only honouring Lieutenant Ngarimu, but his battalion and his country.

His Excellency then presented the decorations, which, in addition to the V.C. award, included the following: — Military Cross and Bar: Major Rangi Royal; Captain William Porter. Military Cross: Lieutenant John Puiraki Tikao-Barrett.

Badge of a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order: Lieutenant-Col-onel Charles Moihi Bennett; Lieuten-ant-Colonel Frederick Baker.

Insignia of an Officer of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: Lieuten-ant-Colonel George Frederick Bertrand. Insignia of a Member of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: Warrant Officer (Class II) Martin te Takaha Mcßae. The Trentham camp band provided music during the day.