MAORI PRINCESS PASSES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4424, 8 March 1930, Page 2

MAORI PRINCESS PASSES.

The death was announced recently at Leigh, in her 100th year, of Princess Rahui Te Kiri, one of the most notable figures among the Maoris in Auckland Province. The only daughter of the great chief Te Kiri, who owned all the land along the coast from Takapuna to Mankawai, the late Princess herself was at one time owner of Little Barrier Island, which was taken from her by the Government. It is claimed that on one occasion she swam 24 miles from the main land to the island. On another occasion ■ Rahui and her husband, Tenetahi Brown, set out iu a small boat, which capsized, but she successfully swam the remainder of the distance, helping her husband. Finally a number of soldiers were sent to take her off the island on the steamer Hinemoa, which brought her to Leigh. Eighteen years later she came to agreement with the Government regarding the ownership of the Little Barrier. Later Rahui and her husband were wrecked off the Great Barrier in their cutter Rangitira, and she again showed her bravery and prowess in swimming and brought her husband ashore. For the past ten years she was confined to her .bed, and for most of that time was blind. She is survived by two daughters and three sons. Her funeral was the largest seen in the district, and was. attended, by Europeans and Natives.