BURIAL OF MAHUTA.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1607, 26 November 1912, Page 6

BURIAL OF MAHUTA.

SCENE AT.THE KAINGA. CORONATION OF NEW "KING." (By Telegraph,—Press Association.) Auckland, .November 25. The "coronation" of the new Maori king, and the burial of Mahuta, were carried out yesterday, in splendid weather, and attracted hundreds of visitors to Waahi from all parts of tho Waikato. Among thoso present were Judge Holland, of the Native Land Court, and his father (Mr. J. G. Holland), and Mr. A. E. Glover, M.P. Tho great attraction was the "coronation" of Te Rata Mahuta Potatau Tawliiao Te Wherowhero, ai successor to Mahuta, whose funeral obsequies took place after the "coronation" ceremonies. Those present, numbering between 3000 e.nd 4000, were spread over a large area in the form of g hollow square, the fourth siite of which was occupied by the tent in which Mahuta's cofin rested.

The first- part of the ceremony was the proewmon from Te E-at.Vs tent to that m which lay Mahuta's remains. Halting Mar tho centre of the marae, thi> band and escort opened out, and the sncccKor, of Mahuta., who wore a magnificent mat, was somewhat in tho background. On either £ide of 'tho opening were Ha-nmii and Taipn, uncle and brother respectively, of the new "lriilg," while; behind, was the magnificent ooffin with its ■ heavy silver mounting. Wailing women, dressed in deep black, and wearing wreaths of green willows, lay all round the casket. Tho ceremonies, which were of a. deeply serious and religious nature, were conducted in the Maori tongue. From the eloquent gestures of the various speakers, however, a very fair idea could bo obtained of what was meant. The Kev6. Ropere Mutu Kapa Hatekia, Helco Karira Kar.ika, and Peri Tnpuru represented the Anglican Church, while the Rev. Hone Hera and Piripi Walcelia were present on behalf of the Methodist body. The Rev. W. Gittos was also present," but took no part in the service.

After tho usual preliminary portion of tho se-rvics of tho English Church, Tupu Taingakawa, standing in front of T« Rata, said: "Te Rata, your ancestors in the olden day 3 were wont to be anointed with oil, but, since the advent of Christianity, they have been anointed with the AYord of Godi Therefore, I place tlie Word upon your head." and he placed a Bible upon To Data's head. Leading the now-crowned successor of Mahuta to tho front of the tent, he adjured him to be strong, firm, and courageous, urged him to walk in tho footsteps of his Master, and begged him to accept God as his guide, His helper, and Ms defender. The Natives then saluted their new "king," the whole assembly singing an incantation in his honour.

While this was going on Mahuta's flag, which has been flying at half-mast, was pulled down, and t'lvat of Te Rata hauled to the top of the pole. Te Rata then handed to Tupu a document which R-a-wliiti read out, conveying the thanks of the former to the people for their condolence and sympathy. After more salutirtir. the Rev. Mr. Ropere Drenched in Maori from the text "Fear God; honour the ICing." Addressing first. Te Rata and then the people, lie urged the young "king" to follow in the steps of such' as served God truly, and abjured the peonlo to lie loyal to their chosen head and to follow him iu everything tending to uplift the Maori rare.

Tumeke, a chief of the Maniapoto tribe,and now resident in Tnranaki. presented Te Rata with a white feather — the emblem of purity and truth. Tnpu Taingalcawa then delivered a short speech, the keynote of which was loyalty to tho new "king." Hori Ferowhine (Wharna) followed on the same lines, and, after the benediction and more salutations, the ceremonies onded. The new "king" was then conducted back to his tout by the band, a gruard of honour, and the chiefs.

An hour after the conclusion of the "coronation" ceremonies, the obsequies of Mahuta were begun with mournful lamentations in front of the chief tent. The coffin'was borne on the shoulders of twelve Mnoris, and was escorted by ft guard of honour, about 101) strong, from "G" Artillery (Hamilton), tho Fourth (Wnikato) Mounted Rifles, and a party of infantry from Hamilton—nil white men, under Captain King. The procession marched slowh- o«t of t.h« kainga to the strains of the "Dead March." Native troops, under SergeantMajor Leech, 30 strong, followed, and tho carriages came next, the first containing Te Rata, his brother Taipu, end his mother, Te Marere. Then followed the other mourners, tho general public, and visitors, the cortege being over a mile long.

Instead of Taupiri Mountain, which is regarded as the royal burial ground, Mahuta's new home, about three miles down the river, was chosen as his last resting-place, and thither the funeral proceeded.

Round the open grave there had already assembled a huge concourse of Native women, who, as soon as the procession came in -sight, chanted songs of melancholy cadences characteristic cf Native sorrowing. Tlie service at the grave was conducted by all tho clergymen present, nn address in Maori being delivered by the Rev. Karira Kapa. who took as his text "Tlio'-'gh dead, lie yet speaketh." The Rev. Honi Hero then gave an eloquent address under the title "Sorrow for the dead," and then Sir .Tames Carroll spoke to the gathering. Ho advised tlie Natives as to their future mode of life and the n"ce.so'ty for progress. Vollevs were fired by the firing party, the coffin was lowered amidst prolonged lamentation, and the remains of Mahuta were laid to rest.