Obituary.

Manawatu Herald, 6 October 1898, Page 3

Obituary.

The death is reported of Hoani Meihana te Rangiotu, a noted chipf of the Eangitane tribe, which occurred at Oroua Bridge on Sunday Deceased was particularly well known in this district, principally on account of the friendly feeling hfhas always exhibited towards Europeans. As far back as 1850 Hoani uped to trade with the pakeha< and on numerous occasions bought pigs and grain from Messrs Hartley and Cook who were then living on banks of the. Manawatu river. Th< deceased resided for some time a 1 Puketptara returning fq Oroua Bridg< in 1870. During the early day^ when trouble was rampant betweer the Maoris and Europeans, Hoani Meihana embraced the latter sidp. and in recognition of bis valuable help and influence was presented by Sir Donald ; McLsan with a gold watch on behalf of the Imperil Government., The p\U was mudtreasured by the chief, and was worr by him up to the time, of his death He was a thoroughly honourabii man, and his word was at all timo rpcognised as good as his bond. The deceased was aged between 80 and 90 years, and many year previous to his death was ordained i deacon of the Church of England.

A tangi on a huge scale will b> held at Oroua Bridge, and native from all parts of New Zealand ar< expected. The decayed leaves thref daughters, Hema T* Awe Awe beim the wife of Harry Bakena, of Oron Bridge ; Arapera Rangiohi widow <■ •' the late Hoani Taipu v a late raembt" of the House of Representatives ; and Heni Te Rangiotu, wife of Mr J. R. Drury, of Aorangi, near Feilding He also leaves numerous grand children, resident in this district. Hoani Meihana was possessed of considerable means, having largp interests in landed property in the district.

He was closely connected witl. the Ngatiraukaua and the Ngati hungunu tribes with which he had considerable influence.

The " tangi " in connection with the death of Hoani te Ringiotu commenced at Oroua Bridge yesterday. and the funeral takes place on Sun day. A suggestion will be made to the Government that a special trait' might be run in connection therewith to give the Palmerston friemlp of deceased an opportunity of beirg present. -Manaioatu Times.