Governor General Viscount Galway speaking on the Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, Waikato. (National Library, Wellington)
Governor-General Galway at the opening of Tūrongo House
The Governor-General Sir George Galway speaks prior to formally opening Tūrongo House, with his words translated to Māori by Pei Te Hurinui Jones.
Galway discusses race relations, housing, health and the development of Tūrangawaewae Marae complex.
This excerpt was taken from the recording 319778: Opening of Tūrongo House – Part Five, you can listen to the full item here.
Collection reference 319778
Year 1938
Credits Speaker: Governor-General Sir George Galway; Translation: Pei Te Hurinui Jones; Commentator: Charles Bennett
Minister Hon. F. Langstone at the Opening of Tūrongo House
Sir Apirana Ngata introduces the Acting Minister for Native Affairs, Hon. Frank Langstone, who speaks at the opening of Tūrongo House.
Langstone speaks first about Māori land and business development and applauds their efforts in creating the Tūrangawaewae Marae complex. His words are then translated into te reo Māori by Pei Te Hurinui Jones.
This excerpt was taken from the recording 319778: Opening of Tūrongo House – Part Five, you can listen to the full item here.
Collection reference 319778
Year 1938
Credits Speakers: Sir Apirana Ngata, Hon F. Langstone; Translator: Pei Te Hurinui Jones; Commentator: Charless Bennett
A Commentary on the History of the Kīngitanga
In English, commentator Charles Bennett continues the radio broadcast from the opening of Tūrongo House, Tūrangawaewae Marae.
Bennett gives an indepth history of Tainui settlement and their relationship with other iwi. The formation of the Kīngitanga is also discussed including the involvement of Wiremu Tāmihana Tarapīpipi and his role as the kingmaker.
This excerpt was taken from the recording 319779: Opening of Tūrongo House – Part Six, you can listen to the full item here.
Collection reference 319779
Year 1938
Credits Speaker: Charles Bennett
The Official Opening of Tūrongo House
In English, commentator Charles Bennett provides a live running commentary of the scene at the opening of Tūrongo House.
As the official party moves across from Mahinārangi to Tūrongo, Bennett's commentary goes on to explain how the tapu was lifted from the house the previous day. Listen to the lifting of the tapu.
Karanga are heard as the Governor-General takes the key, opens the door and leads the official party into Tūrongo.
Charles Bennett then gives a detailed description of the carvings and tekoteko figures on the turret of Tūrongo House.
This excerpt was taken from the recording 319779: Opening of Tūrongo House – Part Six, you can listen to the full item here.
Collection reference 319779
Year 1938
Credits Commentator: Charles Bennett
Tūrongo House Adornments Described
Commentator Charles Bennett continues the radio broadcast from the opening of Tūrongo House.
He gives a detailed description of the Māori King's coat of arms, Te Paki o Matariki, adorning the front door of Tūrongo House, the King's official residence. Bennett describes Māori scholarship relating to the constellation Matariki (Pleiades) which the carving depicts.
Bennett also describes the detailed tukutuku panels inside the house, which were woven by Waikato women.
This excerpt was taken from the recording 319779: Opening of Tūrongo House – Part Six, you can listen to the full item here.
Collection reference 319779
Year 1938
Credits Commentator: Charles Bennett
Arrangements for Opening Tūrongo House
In English, commentator Charles Bennett continues the radio broadcast from the opening of Tūrongo House.
Bennet gives a detailed description of arrangements for accommodating the thousands of visitors at Tūrangawaewae Marae. He explains the contributions, mau ā-ringa or koha, which are made from iwi to help cover the cost of the hui. The arrival of a party from Ngāti Raukawa is described as they came onto the marae bearing branches with pound notes attached to them, while another tribe dropped pound notes onto a mat.
Bennett goes on to explain how fields of over 40 marquees around the pā are being used to accommodate the estimated 4,000 visitors. He describes the marquees as being lined with raupō and then woven mats. Each tent is named with the iwi who are to stay there. He then talks about dining arrangements and how a loud-speaker is used to call different iwi to meals at the wharekai at different times as well as describing the meals on offer and a brief explanation of setting a hāngī.
This excerpt was taken from the recording 319779: Opening of Tūrongo House – Part Six, you can listen to the full item here.
Collection reference 319779
Year 1938
Credits Commentator: Charles Bennett
Radio Commentary about the Ngāruawāhia Regatta
In English, commentator Charles Bennett describes events due to happen the following day, when the Ngāruawāhia Regatta takes place. Even more people are expected to attend.
The commentary then describes the ceremony held that morning when the Governor-General and his wife arrived on board the waka taua, Te Winika accompanied by waka tīwai. This was the first time in 30 years that a dignitary had been conveyed on a waka taua.
He explains how a tree is selected to make a canoe and the ancient ceremonial rituals surrounding this.
Bennett ends the broadcast and signs off.
This excerpt was taken from the recording 319779: Opening of Tūrongo House – Part Six, you can listen to the full item here.
Collection reference 319779
Year 1938
Credits Announcer: Charles Bennett