SIR MAUI POMARE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1930, Page 3

SIR MAUI POMARE

COMPULSORY CREMATION

(Hy Telegraph- Per Press Asscvution.)

WELLINGTON, July 8

“It is my opinion that the authorities insisted upon the cremation of Sir Maui Pomare’s remains, and that Lady Pomare had little option in the matter,” stated the Hon J. G. Coates, Leader of the Opposition in an interview ;to-night. Mr Coates has written as follows, to Akarana Maori Association and to several of the West Coast tribes, who had telegraphed him on the matter:—“Sentiments as ex-

I pressed by you and supported by those I present that day, as reported in the Press, are understood by me, but the 101 l owing 1 information fhay (help to clear,' matters. The following cablegram received from Lady Pomare, dated July Ist, and received by me on I July 4th. ‘read :—‘Maui died suddeni ly, Friday 3 p.m. Service Saturday, j cremated, arranging bring ashes back.’ . The foregoing, suggests that Lady Po- . mare had but little option. The au- ' thoritie.s have either' insisted or she had no power to return the remains, : in any other than the present form. Sir Maui died on June 27th. and news ! was received in New Zealand at 5 p.m. I on the 28th., and I cabled Lady Poj mare asking her on behalf of the fam--1 ilv and the Maori people and our party, | that Sir Maui’s body be returned to

New Zealand. You will realise ihat my, cables did not reach their destination until some time after the ceremony, and I ask you to consider.,'all the circumstances and to make -the burden as light as you can for our sister, Lady Pomare.”