“THE PASSING OF HENARE.”

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1926, Page 4

“THE PASSING OF HENARE.”

-MAORI OUTWITS RAILWAY

DEPARTMENT

WANGANUI, Jan. 23

The Railway Department occasionally is beset with difficulties. In this category can be included one that unexpectedly cropped up in the Wanganui district recently. A Maori from Wanganui died while on a visit, to Wnitarn and in. accordance with tribal custom it was arranged io have the body sent back to the home place. This was the stago when the Railway Department became an interested party, and in n mortuary van, accompanied by a consignment note marked “freight forward.” the deceased ITenare was railed to a small station south of Wanganui. \s fitting for a man of Henarc’s rank, a tangi was arranged to mark the mournful occasion, and members of the tribe, relations and friends gathered from far and near to pay their respects.

It may have been that the financing of the tangi somewhat depleted the exchequer, for when the railway man at the station demanded £5 8s freight duo before delivery, Henare’s friends were unable to find it. A korero was held in tbe vicinity and £3 was offered in settlement of the claim.

“Go and have another korero,” was the advice of the harassed railway officials. The next one lasted a considerable time, and materialised into an offer of £3 cash, a Itatana bank coupon, two I.Q.LL’s for 15s and a. half-bag of kumeras.

“No good to the Government.” said the railway man, when the proposition was put. “The lot, or you won’t have Henare.”

“Ivapai” replied the leader of the deputation. “You keep him.”

This unexpected decision necessitated action, and led to hurried negotiations in which the powers further afield were called into consultation.

The upshot was that a few hours later a sad little funeral procession commenced to wind its way up the hill-side from the station.

There was grief at the passing of Henare and probably the Railway Department has had cause to share in the sorrow that the tragic home-com-ing had caused.