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Herries Park, The Strand, c.1930s
Postcard image from collection of Justine Neal |
For many years Sir William Herries was the Parliamentary representative for Tauranga. When he died on 22 February 1923, he left a bequest to the Tauranga Borough Council. This money was used for the beautifying of Monmouth Domain and the Strand waterfront, the whole area to be called Herries Park.
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Herries Memorial Arch, Strand, Tauranga, N.Z. 5659, c.1930s
Postcard image from collection of Justine Neal |
By January 1929 the work was practically completed and the park was set off by a substantial stone arch, bearing a tablet to the memory of the late Sir William Herries, with a lily pond and concrete paths at the foot of the arch.
He was a racist colonizer that used every means to steal Maori land. 'use it or lose it' was his catchcry.
ReplyDeleteHis 'bequest' was proceeds from his theft, therefore twas Maori money - not his - that beautified Tauranga.
It follows that the whole area, including that brick monstrosity (post exorcism), should be returned and dedicated to local Maori Iwi.
Another colonial hua that FAILED at eradicating my people 😄 🤣