Funeral of Major Ropata.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXIII, Issue 6077, 14 July 1897, Page 3

Funeral of Major Ropata.

Per Press Association. Awanui, July 13. Major Bopata was laid to rest this afternoon, near to the grave of his forefathers upon a rocky fortress, the scene in former days of many fierce conflicts. The proceedings were of the most imposing and Stirling character. After the arrival of visitors at WaiomatiDi, volleys of musketry were fired. The pah waa crowded with natives and gay with flags. A large body of natives performed, the whole lime, the peru-pei-u or war-dance. The usual hakas being dispensed with, this being purely a m'litary display, but the war-dance was splendidly executed, and will not be forgotten by those who witnessed it. All the dancers were men of blood, ar<d their songs related the famous victories of the Ngatiporoa warriors under Major Bopata. This was followed by a dance of welcome by the wahines, which turned into a long lament for the departed chief and father of the tribe, in which Major Bopata's widow took the leading part. During tbe continuance of this wail the Hon. J. Carroll stepped forward and Btood with bowed head before the coffin, and similar markß of respect were pnid by Major Porter, old comrades in aons of the deceased, and other officers, An adjournment was then made to the interior of the large meeting-house, where addresses of welcome were read by Apirana Ngata, a grand-nephew of the deceased. These related the gallant deeds of the major, and set forth his loyalty to the Queen and Europeans. A hope was also expressed that in choosing his successor in the Legislative Council the Government would not overlook the Ngatiporoa tribe. Mr Cprroll, in eloquent and symbolical language, replied with a panegyrio on the dead ohief. In reply to a request contained in the address, he said no doubt the Qoverrment would, on behalf of the people of the colony, erect a monument to Major Bopata's memory. The Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr J. Booth), Colonel Porter and the Hon. J. Bigg, M.L.C., also delivered addresses, the latter speaking feelingly of. the respeot in which Major Bopata was held'by his fellow Legislative Councillors. After the speech-making an adjournment was made outside, when the funeral ceremony took pface. The pallbearers were Colonel Porter, Major McCredte, Mijor Finn and Lieutenant Hidop. The bfial service of the Church of England was read by the Rev H. Williams, assisted by five native clergymen. A force of 25 Permanent Artillerymen, under the Command of Major Messenger, were in the procession, and the G-isborne City Band played the Bead March in Saul as the cortege moved towards the burial-place. At thb conclusion of the aervics, the artillerymen tired three volleys over the grave. A feast followed, a large quantity of choice viands having been prepared by the natives, and during its progress numbers of the natives sang songß,