Interview with Arthur Wharetotara Davis

Arthur Wharetotara Davis details his whakapapa, tribal affiliation to Ngati Maru, Ngati Paoa, Uekaha and Ngati Maniapoto and his family history. Details his local schooling and notes that there was no speaking Maori at the school. Talks about sports, local picture theatre, his teenage memories including memories of the Maniapoto Rugby Club before World War II, his Army career and his World War II experiences in the Italian Campaign. Talks about injuries sustained during the war, loss of friends and notes the names of the Returned Servicemen in the Waitomo and Te Kuiti area. Details his work history building dams for 27 years. Talks about the loss of land at Waitomo, the creation of scenic reserves and of Waitomo Caves being taken into government hands.

Describes in detail the history, name, carvings, poukai, associated families and buildings of his marae, Toki Kapu. Notes that the carvings were carved by Mr Maha Hetet. Talks about the sacred places of the area. (Note - some of this part of the interview takes place inside the Wharepuni at Toki Kapu Marae).

Language - English and Maori

Venue - Waitomo

Abstracted by - Nikki Carnachan, Matiu Love and Robin Whanga

Recorded by - Place of recording Nikki Carnachan

Interviewer(s) - Nikki Carnachan

Interviewer(s) - Jason Paahi

Venue - Davis Homestead, Waitomo; Toki Kapu Marae

Accompanying material - Printed abstract contains background information about the project, the project symbol and karakia.

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004449, OHC-004450

Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.40 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0746.