THE LATE REV. H. T. PAERATA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3674, 4 August 1927, Page 3

THE LATE REV. H. T. PAERATA.

The funeral of the late Rev. H. T. Paera'ta took place at Motuiti yesterday afternoon. Prior to the interment an impressive service was held in front of the meeting house, which was attended by a large concourse of Maoris and pakehas. Included among the latter were many prominent settlers and townspeople. The Anglican clergy were represented by the Rev. Canon Williams and Rev. J. G. Coles (Wanganui), Rev. W. H. Walton (Foxton), Rev. Te Muera (Otaki), Rev. P. Leonard (Marton)., The service in Maori was conducted by the Revs. Te Muera and Leonard, and the Rev. Canon Williams delivered an address to the Europeans, in which he made reference to the life and Christian character of deceased, who, he said, was beloved by all who knew him.

At the conclusion of the service a number of sturdy young Maoris wearing mats, shohldered the casket and the procession, headed by the clergy in their vestments, wended its way to the hillside where the interment took place, to the accompaniment of the farewell chant by the women. The service at the graveside was most touching, the grief of the Maoris being evident throughout.