PRIME MINISTER'S TRIBUTE

Te Ao Hou, Spring 1952, Page 4

PRIME MINISTER'S TRIBUTE This was an expression of grief, natural enough at the time. Did it go further? Is this really the present mood of the East Coast? To the visitors it appeared to be partly so. The gloom that still lies over Ngati-Porou, two years after Apirana's death, appeared as a very painful and powerful unspoken tribute to his memory. The Prime Minister noticed this feeling, too, when he commented on the saying that ‘this was to be the last great hui’, and declared: ‘These gatherings are the Parliament of the Maori people. It would be a great pity if they did not continue. Sir Apirana would wish them to continue. Gatherings like this should continue to be held from time to time, to discuss the affairs of the Maori people.’ He continued: ‘We think of the example Sir Apirana gave of adventurous leadership, and must hope that those who take up his work will not fail in inspiration. We know that his work will live, and we believe that his example will not be forgotten by the young men who must come forward and dedicate themselves—as he did in his youth—to the service of their people.’ After the speeches the official party and some of the prominent people present climbed the little knoll known as Te Patoiti, where the beautifully carved St. Mary's Church stands. It

Unveiling of the memorial. is a memorial to the men who fought in the First World War, and was opened in 1926. The planner, naturally, was Apirana Ngata. The front of this church is turned away from the Waiapu River, probably because the steepness of the hill makes access to the side facing the river more difficult. Yet the finest view over the whole of the historic valley is from that lower side of the church. The memorial to Sir Apirana has been built on this side, overlooking the river and directly facing his native Waiomatatini. It has a strategic position that was also recognised in bygone ages. The Hauhaus were entrenched on this spot, and were defeated here by Apirana's ancestor, Major Ropata. The memorial is a simple stone obelisk, on which words are engraved which have the following meaning in English: This stone was erected by the people in memory of SIR APIRANA NOHOPARI TURUPA NGATA, born on the third of July, 1874, deceased on the 14th of July, 1950. It testifies to the love that was felt for the vine that bound the churches and the tribes of the Maori people together, the pillar on whom Maoridom rested, the guiding star of the people. ‘PUANGA HAS LEFT AN EMPTY PLACE IN THE SKY’ Elder, Farewell. Father of the Maori Battalions of the two wars, Go to your ancestors who rest in the world of darkness, Leave pain and gloom behind you. A torch of wisdom is chiselled on the stone, and forms the main decoration. Apirana became a leader through his wisdom and learning. He was looked up to for his knowledge, in both Maori and Pakeha fields. So, from its strategic position, this torch of wisdom now overlooks the Waiapu Valley. Only a chosen few could climb the knoll, Te Patoiti, and have a close view of the dedication service of the memorial. The others stood below, across the road, on the paddock in front of the marae entrance. They watched the splendid robes, the solemn chanting and praying, the delivering of the speeches, the singing of the hymns. They were fascinated by the moving ceremony on the hill, which they could partly follow. Bishop Panapa conducted the service, and made a short speech, mainly about those possessions in New Zealand which belong to the Maori race, and the Maori race alone. He spoke especially of the Maori language. Then the Very Rev. J. G. Laughton read a lesson from the new Maori Bible. Sir Apirana had led the committee that made this translation; it had been his last great work of scholarship. This dedication ceremony was the first service at which the new Maori Bible was read. At the end of the service the group by the church sang the hymn that used to be Sir Apirana's favourite: ‘E te Atua, kua ruia nei o purapura pai.’ ‘O God thou hast sown thy good seed’ The sound floated down to the spectators below. The Prime Minister removed the precious cloaks from the obelisk. The party near

the memorial then dispersed. Some stayed by the obelisk, sobbing. During this meeting at Tikitiki there was little time for the discussion of current problems. These remained in the background, although a few questions, not of fundamental importance, were brought forward. One request made to the government was for a Maori contingent to go to the Coronation next year. The Prime Minister appeared favourably disposed to this. Another request was for the sale of Hereheretau station by the Crown to Maori trustees, to administer it for veterans of the First World War. There was some talk during the hui of using the proceeds from the farm, not for direct distribution to the many veterans, but for an ‘Apirana Scholarship Fund,’ to enable Maori students to follow university and post-graduate courses, and also to study overseas. No decision was reached, but the government seemed prepared to consider selling Hereheretau. Religious service at Waiomatatini. After the meal at Tikitiki a long procession of buses, cars and trucks started on the dusty, winding road to Waiomatatini. This remote place used to be Apirana's home and retreat. Here is the famous ‘Bungalow’ where Apirana, in his richly carved and decorated study, so often—with many friends, in long discussions—thought out his plans and found solution for grave problems. People have a special reverence for the name Waiomatatini. That reverence becomes stronger as they approach the meeting-house Porourangi. Puputa rises directly behind it, a steep hill richly covered in untouched bush. Puputa is just as it was some generations ago; it belongs to the Maori world of old. Apirana is buried here. Porourangi impresses by its power, and by its beauty delights those who come closer. At Waiomatatini little happened that can be adequately described in a magazine. Some 1500 people arrived from all over the island, including all the special friends and the closer associates of the leader. The ceremony was simple and quiet. The Very Rev. J. G. Laughton gave a long address, in Maori, describing Apirana's life. This address will long be remembered. Hymns were sung by the people, led by a group of clerics, standing in front of the meeting-house. The gravestone was dedicated. In small groups the people slowly climbed to Puputa's top, and paid their respects at the graveside. Groups continued to go up and down until darkness fell, and a meal was served with charming hospitality. Many of the Parliamentary party stayed at Waiomatatini until late in the evening, among them Mr Corbett and Mr Nash. Those of the people who did not have necessary business to attend to stayed all through the night, listening to many excellent speeches in Apirana's memory.