AMAZING REVELATION

Chronicle (Levin), 28 November 1946, Page 4

AMAZING REVELATION

-Press Associaiion

Maori Poses As A Woman DISCOVERY ON. DEATH

By Telegraph-

CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 27. An amazing revelation folloW'ed "the death of an elderly Maori woman at Tuahiwi Pa, sixteen miles north of Christchurch, lasi ■night. The woman, a visitor from Wellington, lived just long enough to celebrate the return to Parliament for the Southern Maori seat •of a Very old friend, Mr. E. T. Tiri--katene, who knew her as "Aunty •Ka'te " After death the woman was prepared for burial. As some of her ; closest friends removed her clothes-, they made an astounding discoveryThe dead person was really a man, and his name is belieVed to have been Kei Pia Rewiri Paraoana, -aged 63. He was married to a man. The man was known for many years as Katie Oughton, and was a member of the household where Mr. Tirikatene boarded w-hile attending sessions of Parliament at the capital. It was not known this morning -how long the strange masquerade had been maintained, but Mr. Yirikatene at least has known the dead person for -a considerable period as just "Aurity Kate." Paraoana had not previously been attended by a doetor, and his real identify had never been suspected; by his -large circle of acquaintances. The poiice were notified as soon as the impersonation was discovered, and an inquest was subsequently opened and adjourned sine die for a post mortem. ■