MEMORIAL TO LATE MRS WINIATA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2835, 17 January 1925, Page 3

MEMORIAL TO LATE MRS WINIATA.

The Chronicle reports that one of the largest, gatherings of [Maoris which has taken place in this district for some time, was held on Thursday at the residence of Mr Winiata Pataka at the Hokio, the occasion being the unveiling of a monument, to the late Mrs Winiata. Between three and four hundred people were present, including about fifty Europeans, mostly representatives of Ihe older generation of settlers, who had known the deceased lady personally. Amongst the Maori tribes represented were the Ngali-Porou (Gisborne). Ngati-Tuwharetoa (Taupo), and the Ngati-Raukawa, NgatiIluia, Ngali-Parewahakaha., NgatiTukorelie, and Ngati-Wehiwehi hapus of the Ngati-Raunawa tribe, to all of whom the late Mrs Winiata had been related.

'file unveiling ceremony was performed by the Rev. G. Williams (Wanganui), Rev. Renata (Marton) and Rev. Timuera (Otaki) assisted by Mr Kepa Roera (Olmu) layreader. The monument, standing some ten feet in height, was draped in valuable native mats, with over them a swathing black pall. The service, with the assemblage standing with heads bowed in prayer, or joining in the beautiful Maori rendering of the Anglican hymns was one not to be soon forgotten. The stone was unveiled by Mrs Pera (Tangaoio, Hawke’s Bay) the late Mrs Winiata’s sister, following which Messrs Riri Nicholson, T. Bevan, Rod McDonald and Waritini te Tomb spoke. The monument is a handsome one of Carrara marble, standing some eight feet above the concrete foundation and represents an angel with bowed head, scattering rose-leaves upon the tomb beneath.