OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 90, 9 January 1918, Page 4

OBITUARY

■ Tho death occurred unexpectedly yesterday morning of Mr. Uhai'les ,R. Parata, M. I'. ior Southern Maori elec-' torate. Mr. Parata, wno was 6ij years 0/ age, had been ill lor. only a iow days. He had taken an active'part/in tho Christmas bowling tournament, showing every appearance of his customary good heatui and spirits.

Mr. Oliarles Parata was the sou of tho late Mr. Tame Parata, for many years' member for the Southern Maori District, and chief of tho Ngaitaiiu, Waitaha, and Ngatimamoo tribes. When Mr. Tamo Parata resigned at the end of 1911, Mr. Charles Parata, who was in business at Wellington, contested tho seat, was elected, and had continued to represent the electorate ever sinco. Ho had this valuable qualification.as a representative in Parliament of the Native race—that he thoroughly understood the requirements of the Maoris in both islands, besides taking a keen and intelligent interest in general .politics. His genial personality will be greatly missed from the Parliamentary arena. In social life he enjoyed an ouviablo popularity, while on the bowling greens, not only of Wellington, but of most parts of New Zealand, his burly figure, his excellent play, and his sportsmanlike behaviour endeared kini to all who met him. The prpsonce of : "Charlie" in a match was sufficient , guarantee for a keen contest and lively sport. Deceased, who loaves a widow and a young family of a girl and two boys, was maided 22 years ago to Miss Rongokahira Asher, of Tauranga, and a chieftainess of. the Arawa tribe. The match was regarded as a great event in Maori history, being the first time that high houses from both islauds had been joined in such a union. To use >the Maori metaphor, it built a bridge between the North Island and tho South Island," and the marriago was the cause of rejoicing jimong the Native people. The body will be taken south this evening; for interment at Puketaraki, Dunediu, where Mr. Parata was born. '