OBITUARY

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 61, 5 August 1965, Page 1

OBITUARY

MISS

A. G.

WEHRINGO

The death occurred in Taupo recently of Miss A. G. Wehringo whose family came to Taupo in 1905. The late Mr G. Wehringo, father of Mrs D. Crowther and Miss Wehringo, started a butchery shop in Taupo after he left his home town "at Palmerston North. The Wehringo family played a major role in church affairs. They were of great assistance to the late Father A. Langernorf, who was in charge of the Catholic Maori Mission in the Taupo district after 1905. When Mrs Wehringo died, Miss Wehringo continued religious instruction for the children of the parish until shortly before 1951, when Mrs J. McBeth took over the work. With the co-operation of the Tuwharetoa Maori tribe, the Wehringo family were largely responsible for the building of the St Patrick's Church, which was opened in 1931. The priests at the Maori Mission, stationed at Waihi Pa, regarded the Wehringo residence as a home away from home. One of the greatest Maori gatherings took place when the church was opened in 1931. The Tuwharetoa Maori people donated most of the timber and, helped by the Wehringo family, raised money for the project. The late Miss Wehringo worked for a number of years for the Hawke's Bay Motor Company and she was treasurer for the Taupo St. John Ambulance Association until the time of her death. She received her education from the Sisters of St Joseph at Matata, She was a qualified bookkeeper and rendered considerable help to a variety of organisations. Miss Wehringo was well known in Taupo for her charitable activities. At her funeral, the Maori people in the Taupo area paid tribute to Miss Wehringo's interest in their welfare throughout the years. After Requiem Mass the Maori choir sang hymns to Miss Wehringo's memory. Father H. McKillop conducted the funeral service at the Taupo cemetery while Taupo St John Ambulance Association formed a guard of honour on either side of ; the entrance. As a final tribute to Miss • Wehringo, the Very Rev. : Father G. Aarts, Superior of . the Mill Hill Fathers, sent : a telegram of condolence on behalf of the fathers.