Presentation of the Insignia of a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to Merekaraka Waititi during the investiture ceremony on 13th of September 1947 at Uepohatu marae. Seventeen decorations were presented to service men and women who had served abroad and on the home front.
The marae hosted events held on the 12th and 13th of September that included cultural competitions with local school children and the opening of the Uepohatu War Memorial Hall. The hall was built to commemorate East Coast soldiers who died during the two World Wars. A reunion of ex-service people (including members of the Maori Battalion) was also held.
The gathering was an important one, attended by thousands including the Prime Minister Peter Fraser, the Leader of the Opposition Sidney Holland and other members of Parliament. Sir Bernard Freyberg, the Governor General opened the hall and unveiled two memorial tablets inside.
Sound file from Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (43115). Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero.
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