Can you identify these people?

Tu Tangata, Issue 21, 1 December 1984, Page 56

Can you identify these people?

The photograph reproduced here is posing problems of identification. It was taken in England, earlier this century at St John’s College, West Ealing according to the inscription on the back. However it’s not dated and only one person in the photograph is identified. The postscript reads.

Maoris visit to St John’s Scl. West Ealing The Chief is the central figure in the front row. The lady at the end (in mourning) lost her husband on the journey over to England (he was the champion Wrestler of N.Z.) The little girl behind her is the one who has asked me to write for her. The little girl at the other end of the front row is the daughter of the widow. Chief’s name is MITA TAUPOPOKI and he told me he should be glad to get back to his “old woman”. Both little girls like NZ better than England.

The photograph recently turned up at a family reunion in Wairoa commemorating a centenary of settlement in the Wairoa district. It was decided to return the photograph to the relatives of those in the photo. People who think they can identify members in the group are asked to contact Mrs Sally Galvan, C/Department of Maori Affairs, Private Bag, Wairoa, Hawkes Bay.