Maori and Pakeha Pay Last Tribute

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 81, 27 June 1927, Page 14

Maori and Pakeha Pay Last Tribute

LATE MR. T. COATES AN IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL Eloquent testimony to the high esteem in which the late Mr. Thomas Coates, of Orakei, was held, both by pakeha and Maori, was shown when a large assembly of both races gathered on Saturday afternoon to pay him a lasi tribute.

The Mayor, Mr. George Baildon, and the Town Clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, represented the Auckland City Council, and Mr. W. Wallace, the Hospital Boapd. Mr. George Newcomb, chairman of the Orakei Road Board, and other members were also present. The late Mr. Coates was chairman of the board when it was first set up 30 years ago.

A large number of settlers from North Auckland, where Mr. Coates settled 60 years ago, included the Hon. C*. J. Carrington, M.L.C. Mr. E. D. McLennan, M.P. for Franklin, and Mr. G. H. Wilson, of the Reform League, were also at the graveside. MAORIS MOURN “TE KOTI”

In- addition, over 40 Maoris from the Orakei settlement, adorned according to Aheir custom, with garlands of ferns and sprigs of native trees, came to show their affection for “Te Koti,” their trusted friend and adviser.

The first half of the burial service conducted by the Rev. Cecil A. B. Watson, son-in-law of Mr. Coates, was held at the house. At the conclusion the Maoris sang in their grief a hymn of love and farewell, “Tiko Nei te Mate nga.” Winding its way among the Orakei hills to Purewa Cemetery, the cortege, half a mile long, formed of some 50 cars, presented a striking spectacle. At the graveside the second part of the burial service was taken by the Rev. Mr. Watson, assisted by -Canon P- T. Williams, vicar of St. Aldan’s, Remuera.

' The chief mourners were Messrs. Edward Coates and Hubert W. H. Coates, sons; and the Rt. Hon. J. G Coates and Mr. Rodney Coates, nephews.

The pall bearers at the residence were Dr. J. Ylarclie Neil and Messrs P. Margetts, K. Brookfield, T. Hardie Neil, C. E. JI. Watson and C. T. C. Watson. The bearers at the cemetery were all old pioneer friends of Mr. Coates. They were: Messrs. Jas. McLeod, G. L. Thompson, Leslie Marriner, Roydon Thompson, J. O. Masefield and F. Shannon. A memorial service was held yesterday morning at St. Aidan’s Church, Remuera.