Tangi at Motuiti.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3569, 5 September 1905, Page 2

Tangi at Motuiti.

BURIAL OF ROBB RANGIHUEA.

The concluding ceremonies in connection with the tangi whieh had been in progress for a week or so at Motuiti were witnessed on Sunday afternoon. Representatives from different Maori tribes from all over the North Island, with several leading mex from the South Island, had assembled at Motuiti daring the last few days, to do honour to the memory of the late chief of the Ngatiraukawa. King Mahuta and Mr Wi Parata, ez-M.H.8., were, among the visitors, along with a nnmber oflooa! native celebrities.

On Saturday the mid-day train brought the last contingent of pntnde visitors, including Mahuta, and after the customary speeches of sympathy and condolence with the local tribe in the loss of their head, and the addresses of welcome to the strangers had been duly delivered, preparation* were made for the final act in the solemn piece. These proceedings were not finished until about noon on Sunday, after which lunch was partaken, of and the cortege formed up for the march to Himatangi. The eoffln was placed on an improvised gun-carriage, the natives sang a funeral dirge, and this was followed by the firing of volleys over the dead. A suitable march was then played by the Foxton Brass Band, whieh was in attendance, and than came more volleys. This done, the eorteg* moved off. Two Maoris, in raata and carrying staffs, led; then fallowed the gnu carriage, and alter this earn* a large brake containing th* pall-bearers, dressedin mats, then several vehicles containing leading natives and after them a large nnmber •( Maoris and Pakchas. The funeral was the largest ever seen in this district, the cortege being quite a mile la length. This did not include all, aa only those who had hones or traps attempted th* journey to Himatangi. At th* grave-side two native olergy conducted the final obsequies, the Chureb of England service in Maori being used.

After the conclusion of the burial and the return of the cortege to llotuiti a large number of Maori and Pakeha visitors were entertained at dinner by the Motniti natives. A long table in the open air was set aside for the Europeans, and the aativee were accommodated in two division* on the grass. The band played a number of marches in the pah, their efforts being highly appreciated by the Maoris. Among those invited to take part were the Mayer of Foxton {Mr B. G. Gower), Cr G. Coley, Mr Alt. Fraser, Mr and Mrs John Davies, of Kerern, Mr and Mrs Jas, Symons, and the members of the band.

Dinner disposed of, the Mayor and Mr Alf. Fraser were introduced to King Mahuta, when Mr Gower expressed his pleasure at meeting Mahuta and extended a weleome to him on behalf of the Europeans of the distriet. Mahuta replied in felicitous terms, thanking the Mayor for his kindly welcome and expressing a hope that he and all tho people would enjoy much prosperity. The conversation was earned on through the medium of Mr McMillan, native interpreter. All the members of -the hand were subsequently introduced to Mahuta, who shock hands with ouch. An open-air service wa« conducted by the Rev. Tere Parata in t.h» evening when the Maori* took part in a very earnest, spirit. Several Europeans who had remained also attended the service. The entertainment provi'M by the Maoris at the dinner would have done credit to many a gathering n"de**Paksha management, and those who ware invited to partake of the far« at, what may be termed the distinguished "isp-irs* table apeak in high terms, of the treatment they received. Mr Al f Ppaser informed a Heraid represent.*live, in this connection, that he had dinner with King Mahuta and several of the leadmr chief* at mid-day, when a really exeel lent repast was on the board. He he* had sneolal opportunities, 100, ef absolving the general behaviour of the Maoris at table during the past few days.ft* Motuiti, and states that in the matter of manners and politeness they will compare very favourably with their European neighbours. This, ho remarks, is of more than passing interest, as the Maoris have felt verv acutely some derogatory statements that have lately been put in circulation regarding the manner of their eating. It was estimated there were close on 500 Maoris present, and an equal number of European*from all parts of the district. On Saturday the Maoris numbered more than this, hut some of them had to leave for their homes on that day.

The hodv of the lab* Rore Rangihuen has been laid to rest la the Maori bury-ing-ground at Hirastangi whieh Rore himself had set aside (or his hapu sonartime ago. His own grave occupies n commanding position on the crest of a small hill, and is real’y a vault, the excavation having been madelarge enough to permit a brick nail to be constructed inside it. The face of this has been cemented, thus rendering the whole damp-proof, and the top is also to bo finished off in the same enduring manner.