The Burial of Rewi.

Manawatu Herald, 5 July 1894, Page 3

The Burial of Rewi.

.*■ ■ " ♦■ . The funeral service was read at tWioot of Rewi's monument by the Rev. Hauraki Paul, Maori Wesleyan minister, who had just arrived from Auckland. As the remains were lowered into the grave volleys of blank cartridge were fired by the Jftgfttimaniopbto tribe. When the grave was being filled in, the Natives threw in on the top of the coffin all the old chief's personal belongings, ia accordance with the Native custom. Cloths, mats, rugs, shawls, carpets, hats, umbrellas, &c, were thrown into the grave, and as eaoh aticceeding layer of earth was thrown iri.it was stamped down hard by a number of. stalwart Maoris. The CQfe.waa buried eight feet deep, at the foot of the monument, so that should any attempt be made by opposing Native hapus to take away the body they would find it difficult to unearth it. — Press Association. Behanzin. — ♦■ **& French journalist has had an interview with Behanzin, who re"slaeafat Fort Tartanson, near Fort cf§;TPrance. The exiled Monarch received him kindly and inquired afigK V King Carnot. ' Behanzin, who had on his left two of his four wives,' and on his right his three daughters and son, Vanils then sat down, whereupon all his entouroge knelt in accordance with Dahomevan Court etiquette. After a few mi n u tus conversation the ex King made a sign* and one of his wives disappeared, but shortly returned, bearing respectfully on a silk sash a white, queer shaped object, ornamented with silver. Having handed ttitrWUlir King his dutiful spouse J^iased the earth and remained kneel - Behanzin rose, muttered a few wards, and placed the ofcjeot on liia visitor's shoulder. "It is his •ceptre," observed the interpreter,

" and this is the greatest mark of friendship he can show you." Behanzin afterwards graciously condescended to show the journalist other royal treasures he still retained, and at the conclusion ot the interview placed his arm familiarly on his visitor's shoulder and accompanied him to the door, where he shook him heartily by the hand, and bade him come and see him again.