Hurumua

This article appeared in the April 1978 NZ 28 Maori Battalion Tenth Reunion booklet.

Hurumua 

Just prior to the cessation of the war, negotiations were already being prepared for a Rehabilitation Scheme for ex-servicemen (Maori). This being in the Hurumua area, a property farmed by the Carroll family. During the establishing of the area, buildings, machinery and much equipment was made and prepared for the first intake of ex-servicemen.

The main purpose of the Scheme was to train men to be future farmers. The Hurumua area was to be divided into economical units, for sheep and cattle, dairy and crop farming, and general farming. These were the main forms of farming taught. The period of training was recommended at 2 to 3 years. Sir A.T. Carroll was the main instigator of the Scheme, which he fathered from its beginning up until now. Unfortunately several of the original owners of the units have either left or sold their units.

Another aspect of the Hurumua training was the formation of sporting clubs - tennis, rugby. It was in rugby that several members became representative players. Some had also played for the Battalion team overseas. People still talk of the type of rugby that was played by the team and the team personalities, who played a class of rugby that is no longer seen here, as did the other local clubs of that time.

Several team members played for the Wairoa Sub Union and also the Hawkes Bay Union. Names that come to mind are as ex-servicemen who played for the Battalion team - Charlie Taite, Chic Tumataroa, Henry Takarangi, Boy Anderson, George Pomana, Robert Ruru, (Henry Kani, Guy Tomlins, Ray Paku - Air Force), (W. Morunga - Navy), Augie Turei, Bill Ruru, B. Hauraki, Cleo Smith and to those not named apologies. Since the formation of the club and from the time it went into recess, Bill Ruru has been a rugby administrator in the local Sub Union. His connection with local rugby started in 1945 through until 1977, as a player and an administrator.

This team was formed by Sir A.T. Carroll. It had a large number of supporters. Since the establishing of the farm units, many of the Hurumua personnel have left and are now engaged in various occupations.

There still stands the Hurumua Hall (memorial) of all those who served there, and-other members of the farming community. Their names are enrolled on a memorial plaque in the Hurumua Hall.

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