DEATH OF MR W. W. BAKER

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 108, 19 February 1954, Page 5

DEATH OF MR W. W. BAKER

Mr William Whitehead Baker, of Taupo, died on February 11 from injuries received when he was struck by a falling branch in the Lake Timber Company's bush at Hauhangaroa. Mr Baker had only a few days in the Company's employ. Aged 28, he his survived by his wife Mrs Mihingarangi Baker, a daughter of Mrs Hine Rameka and the late Mr Henry Rameka, and four children. The tangi at Nukuhau, Taupo, was attended by Maoris from Oruanui, Maroa, Rotorua, Tokaanu and Taumarunui. A large number attended the funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Taupo, on Sunday morning, February 14. The usual Mass prayers were chanted in Maori, led by the local catechist. Father de Bree preached the occasional Maori sermon, explaining the duty and obligation to pray for the dead. The funeral took place at Nukuhau at 1 p.im Appropriate Maori hymns were sung by the local Maori choir during the funeral, conducted by Father de Bree, both at the Meeting House and the grave-side. Among pakeha visitors present at the funeral were Mr R. Smith, of the Lake Timber Company, and Mr James Bolger, of Taupo. Deceased, who had resided for some time in Taupo, was a member of the Ngapuhi tribe, of Northland.