DEATH OF A MAORI CHIEFTAINESS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2228, 18 January 1921, Page 1

DEATH OF A MAORI CHIEFTAINESS.

The Wanganui Chronicle announces the' death of Rata, of Rawea, daughter'of the late Mete Kingi, who was the son of Mete Kingi Paetihi, llie leading chief of the Wanganui tribe, and the lirst Maori member of Parliament. Rawca’s mother was the daughter of Ivawini Hunia, of Parewanui, one of the most prominent chiefs of the Ngatiapa tribe, who was instrumental in effecting the sale of the Rangitikei block to the Crown. Rawini’s father was Tehakeka, who in his day was absolute leader of the Ngatiapas and a noted warrior, leading his men in all their tribal fights, and was much feared by the redoubtable Rauparaba “the Napoleon of the West.” Tehakeke had the proud distinction of never having been conquered, and was also proud of the fact that no member of his hapu was ever made a slave. Rawea married Mr T. IT.l T . Marumaru, of Parewanui, a chief of the Ngatiapas, and well known in sporting circles. Some years.later he died, and later she became the wife of Mr E. Sutherland, who died a year or two ago. The deceased chiefl.aiuess had been ailing for some six months, but her death was quite unexpected. One of her proudest pos>essious was a valuable sporting trophy won in Wanganui in 1805 with the horse Tuhiwai, ridden by Mr James Bull, Hie veteran Iluntcrville sportsman. She was a great upholder of all the traditions dear *to her race, with whom she was very popular. She was also a great worker in matters appertaining to their general welfare, and took a prominent part in church affairs, giving a section and cluirch (Anglican) at Kala, which has been much appreciated. The late chioftiiiness could trace her descent from those hi'avc voyagers who lirst left ifawaiiki for New Zealand in canoes, among which were the Kurahaupo, Aotea, Takilimu, Te Aroha, Tainui. and Malat u a.