MAORI MARRIAGE CUSTOMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1920, Page 3

MAORI MARRIAGE CUSTOMS.

j HEN ARE KAIHAU’S “WIDOWS.” 1 AUCKLAND, "August 4. Yesterday, Mr Judge Gilfuddcr, in tlie Native Land Court, heard most interesting argument concerning the worldly possessions of the Into Henare Kaihau, formerly M.P. for the Western Maori District, who left estate valued at £20,000. Kaihau had many wives and as these widows came forward to apply for.a share in the estate, to which they are not absolutely entitled under native law, most interesting light was cast upon the marriage customs of the Maoris. Dr Bamford, with Mr G. Kent appeared for tlie “first” widow of the # deceased and submitted evidence in I support of her claim for a share in I the estate, as under native law she could not succeed as widow only. Counsel also represented the six children of the marriage. Mr J. J. Sullivan, appeared for one Maori widow, and he also represented a sou by still another Maori marriage. In the course of the case it was necessary to call yet. another Maori widow, but her evidence showed that she was j now debarred "from participating under native law, as she had “married” another Maori before Kaihau’s death. This was shown to have been the case with another “widow” so she, too was debarred from a share in the estate. During the ease, counsel submitted proof of the various mariages of the deceased under the Maori custom which appeared, in the case of Maoris of rank to be dependent upon the consent of tlie parents or chiefs of the contracting parties and the acceptance of the bride by the husband’s tribe. I After hearing the evidence submitted, the Court allowed the “first” widow * £l5O per annum for five years and the 1 use of a house, and one more widow 1 was allowed £IOO a year for life. The remainder of the estate is to be divided between seven children. The Court appointed the Public Tms :oe administrator of the estate, and j trustee of the infant children.