Parliamentary Committee Tour

Te Ao Hou, July 1969, Page 56

Parliamentary Committee Tour A framed photograph of the Maori Affairs room at Parliament Buildings now has pride of place in the Rangikapuia dining room at Ngapuaiwaha pa, Taumarunui. It was formally accepted by tribal elders, Messrs Titi Tihu and Rawiri Hemopo at a welcoming ceremony extended to the Parliamentary Committee on Maori Affairs when the committee visited the Central King Country in April. During the Taumarunui section of its tour the committee, led by the chairman, Mr A. McCready, M.P. for Otaki, visited land development schemes and met settlers. Guided by Maori leaders, Mr P. J. Hura, O.B.E., Dr Pei te H. Jones, O.B.E., and Mr Brian H. Jones, the committee inspected the Manunui scheme and the Hikurangi station, later calling at Waimiha. At a welcome at Ngapuaiwaha pa, speeches of welcome were given by local elders and Mrs I. M. Ratana, M.P., replied on behalf of the visitors. The waiata at the end of her address was given by the Secretary for Maori Affairs, Mr J. M. McEwen. A large gathering was present and discussed matters of interest with the committee.