OBITUARY

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 41, 22 October 1952, Page 2

OBITUARY

MRS HEMI PITIROI We regret to record the passing of , Mamae, daughter of the late Hepi Te Huia, and wife of Herni Pitiroi, who collapsed and died at the Tangi for Princess Te Puea at Turanga^ waewae Pa, Ngaruawahia on Friday, October 17th. Mrs Pitiroi and her husband were With a party of Mourners from Taupo who were paying their last respects to the Maori Princess. The body was brought to Taupo at approximately 3 a.m., Saturday morning last, and hundreds of people are gathering at Te Rangiita meeting house at Nukuhau to mourn the passing of this promL.ent Maori Chieftainess. Mrs Pitiroi was a very ardent supporter of the Maori Health League, and was president of this organisation for some years. She also worked hard to have the Janet Fraser Memorial Hostel established in Rotorua. Her loss will be felt keeniy by all in the district both Pakeha and Maori, particularly with regard to ceremonial occasions. With the passing of this well-known personality there has departed from the scene | one of the leading* authorities on Maori tradition. The deceased lady is survived by an adult family, Mrs Hine Loughlin and Mrs Kahui Wallace, of Taupo; Mrs Kaa Raukaupai, ilrs Harriet Blake, Mrs Reta Edwards, Mrs Hihi Hayes, Mrs Matarita Smallman, Mr Michael Pitiroi, and Mr Mathew Pitiroi. The Late Hoera Tahau. The funeral of the late Mr Hoera (Charlie) Tahau, who recently suffered a stroke at the A.C. Baths, and j died at his home in Hastings took I place at the Waitahanui Marae on October 6th. The deceased, who was an adherent of the Church of Latter Day Saints, was burried with full Mormon ceremonial. Elder J ames King officiated over a most impressive ceremony. A Mao^i Mormon choir from the Bridge Pa sang the hymns "Nearer Mv God to Thee," and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." There followed several funeral orations, including a panegyou hy Mr ! George Hallett, of the Rotorua CliUrch. The interment was at the Waitahonui Cemetery. The casquet was j heautifully decorated with Korowai j mats and floral emblems. The late i Mr Tahau was a prominent leader I and chief of the Ngati Tu wharetoa | tribe of Taupo, and a grandson of Te Rangi Tahau, who escaped with Te Kooti from the Chatham Islands. Born in Waitahanui, Mr Tahau was in business in Hastings as a general carrie; for some years. He was chairmari of the Hastings Maori Tribal Executive Committee. Mr Tahau was a keen footballer and wrestler. He is survived hy his ' wife, five sons' and three daughters.