Death of a Maori Centenarian.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 270, 3 August 1906, Page 2

Death of a Maori Centenarian.

Th are died at Kawhia on tbe 9th of last month a great chieftainess of the NgatimaniapotGS, in the person of Mrs R. Wright, who had lived for just about the century, or between 99 and 100 years. She wag a first cousin to Rewi Maniapoto, the great soldier chief, who died at KihiKihi, and to whose memory the Government erected a monument, and also a cousin to Wahanui, who is still living, but who, on account of his great age, was prevented from visiting the old lady. Her only aunt was married to the great chieftain Rangitualea, who fought and defeated Rauparaha. Mrs Wright claimed as her ancestors tbe mummies which are buried in tbe Hautapu oaves, and when a child remembered bearing their names. Originally there were fifteen of tbase mummies, but two were stolen before the Europeans came to settle; and owing to the remaining ones being disturbed by pakaha sightseers, they have been removed and lately buried in tbe family burying ground at Awa roa, where Mrs Wright was laid to rest. There was a large gathering present, and the aged Maori minister, Rev. Erneti Te Ahuranga, road the burial service. The late Mrs Wright was married twice, and had sixteen children, all having predeceased ber except Mm Ormsby, Mrs T. Kendall and Mrs Grey. Mrs Wright’s first husband was a Mr Brown, and her marriage was the first between a Maori and a pakeba that was regls tered. The ceremony was performed by tbe la e Rev. W. J. Whiteley. Prior to this the natives of her tribe would not permit their purple to marry pakehas, but owing to her high rank Mrs Wright was allowed to do as she liked. Mr Brown wae subsequently drowned in the Awaroa river, and some years after his death she was married to Mr R. Wright by the Rev. Schnackenburg, (father of Mr E. H. Scbnackenburg, of Aotea) at Lemon Point. This gentleman not only married Mr and Mrs Wright and christened each member of the family, but performed the marriage ceremony for two of the daughters also. Fur several years Mrs Wright and her husband and family lived in the Ruapuke and Kauroa districts, going to here at the time of tbe war, and coming back to Kawbia some 25 years ago. The deceased, who was the oldest of her tribe, never had auy sickness or complaints of any rind during ber long life, and was active and strong (she was able to ride up till about four years ago) up to the time she was called away to her forefathers. She was one of tbe chief owners ot land in the King Country, and was well known and respected by a very large circle of Europeans and Maoris.— Raglan Chronicle.