Fatal Accident at Waikanae.

Manawatu Herald, 1 November 1900, Page 2

Fatal Accident at Waikanae.

A most distressing sequel to the visit of King Mahuta to Otaki occurred on Monday, and cast quite a qlooin over the whole coast when the sad news was disseminated. Amongst those who returned by the morning train after the festivities to their respective homes was a high chief named Teounuku Rene, a resident of Porirua. On arrival at the Waikanae station, Rene got off the train to converse with another person. He neglected to get aboard again until the train was iv motion, and in attempting to do so, he fell between the platform and the carriages, with the result that his body was frightfully mutilated. Both arms and legs were cut off, and he was otherwise fearfully mangled. The train was stopped, and the injured man placed aboard for conveyance to his home, but the unfortunate fellow expired before reaching Porirua. The deceased gentleman was a chief of very high rank, being a distant cousin to King Mahuta. He leaves a widow and two sons — five and three years of age respectively— to mourn their loss. His widow is a niece to Heni te Rei (the highest chieftainess of Otaki), and sister to Mrs Pitiera Taipua, also of Otaki. Great mourning prevails amongst the Natives, at the untimely and terrible death of the departed chief, who was only about 86 years of age, and who was deservedly popular and greatly beloved by his people. It will be remembered that the late Teounuku Rene was a member of the famous Maori football team which so distinguished themselves in the tour of the British Isles about 12 years ago. He was a stalwart and handsome specimen of the noble Maori race. It is expected that the tangi, which is to be held at Porirua, will be one of the greatest ever held in the colony during recent years. The Maoris of the coast will be assembled en masse, while the King and his fol' owing, who are at present at Kereru, will return at once to Porirua. Natives will collect in great numbers f rqm all quarters to mourn over the remains of the deceased. — Otaki Mail.