RANGI ROYAL, O.B.E., M.C., and BAR.

One of the best known figures of contemporary Maori life, Rangi Royal who died last year, was descended from many Chiefs of leading tribes. He belonged to a family of ten of whom only four are now living: Ata Netta, (Mrs. Brown, Komata); Ahi Ataewa (Paeroa); Wi Katane (Komata) and Haki (Mrs. Swainson, Puru).

Two other family deaths occurred recently, that of Heke Mataia Royal (Mrs. Nicholls, mother of Mr. Viv Nicholls who is in charge of Maori Affairs at Paeroa) and Hilda Royal (Mrs. Kuiti, Levin).

Born at Ohau, the Marae of his father, Rangi returned early to his Mother's family home at Komata and attended the Paeroa Primary and the Thames High School. Initiative came to early fruition with Rangi Royal. In 1912 when he was only 15 he became the first Maori Scout-master, and his role in Sport is legendary, especially his service to Maori Rugby.

Early in his adult life Rangi was an interpreter to the Maori Land Court. It was an apt appointment, and down the years this striking champion of Maoridom never ceased to interpret Maori and Pakeha to one another for their mutual welfare. He entered the Department of Maori Affairs at Rotorua in 1916 when it had a mere handful of staff, mainly engaged on judicial work, and in 1956 when he retired from the Office of Controller of Maori Welfare his staff numbered over 50 advisers and welfare officers.

The biggest single factor in stimulating and guiding Maoridom to fulfil its destiny in a complex society is the chain of more than 500 tribal committees and executives throughout the Country. These were first organised by Rangi Royal. Their task is to exercise discipline and enforce regulations laid down for the health and well-being of the people - a task so diverse, as to cover everything in life, housing, employment, health and education being the main essentials. In the latter field scholars are encouraged to stay at school as long as possible, the bright ones to go to University and others to go into trades, where their dexterity is valued.

It is noteworthy that William T. Royal who last year took his degree in Architecture, and won the Clarkson Memorial Prize for Architects is a great nephew of Rangi Royal and came from Waimangu at the northern tip of the Hauraki Plains. He was educated at Wesley College, Paerata, and the Auckland Grammar School.

The old-time Maori had a custom Ties, which the pakeha parallels through treaties. He married into other tribes and by spreading his family ties as broadly as possible he insured in time of crisis the instant support of the people of all those groups with whom he was linked by blood. The system worked very well in days past and even to-day has proved a powerful asset.

Rangi Royal had links with practically every tribe in the country and this coupled with his fine personal qualities assured him of a cordial welcome on any marae, the consequent gains to the Maori people being incalculable.

Rangi Royal considered that the greatest advancement the Maoris have made has been through their women. He regarded the 353 branches of the Maori Women's Welfare League as a spearhead of Maoridom's progress, realising that the basis of life is the home. His cousin Mrs. Ruhia Sage 'Hamilton) plays a prominent part in this, and his sister Mrs. Netta Brown has always taken a great interest in it, encouraging others to value and beautify their homes as she has done. Last year she won the Ohinemuri District Council Gardening Competition.

Rangi Royal who was awarded the O.B.E. in 1964 served in world War I and is identical with the Major Royal of World War II, in which he was 2nd in command of the Maori Battalion during the Libyan campaign of 1941, till he was wounded at Gazala. He won his M.C. on Crete, and a bar in the desert campaign.

When he died in Rotorua on 8.7.65 a moving tribute was paid to him by those who Returned from the War.

"From Cape Coromandel to Katikati; Katikati to Waihau Bay, Waihau Bay to Tongariro, Tongariro to Cape Coromandel.

That is the geographical area of the Arawa, Matatua and sub-tribes of Tainui canoes, from whence came the raw recruits of the many sub-tribes that comprised your command; these you welded into a fighting force and ultimately led into battle with the elan of your forbears.

Farewell Rangi, wend your way to the many lands wherein the lads you led to war sleep the long last sleep,

Pause awhile at Rangiatea from whence came the Sacred Soil and your famed canoe Tainui,

Peer across the waters to Mourea from whence your Arawa Coure sailed,

Then ever onward hie thee to the Great Hawaiki, the long distant Hawaiki, and the Hawaiki beyond the mist of Time".