DEATH OF A VETERAN MAORI CHIEF.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 127, 3 June 1902, Page 2

DEATH OF A VETERAN MAORI CHIEF.

News was brought into town on Monday by the Itev F. A. Bennett of the death of Rameka Te Amai, chief of the Nga-pukeberua, the oldest branch of thu Rukatapu hapu of the Ngati-Aw/i tribe. It appears that tho deaceased was quietly playing a gsme of cuds when be suddenly expired. Many of the old settle! 8 will remember that Rameka was, in the parly stages of ths Maori trouble, ons of the hostile natives but, subsequently became friendly, «nd was of great service in acting as guide to the trjops. On one occasion he left the relieving force sent out to General Chute, and wnile ou the march the food ran short, nessitating recourse to horseflesh, with the result that General Chute was thereafter dubbed by the natives " General Horseflesh." Raj meka could boast of a somewhat long and renowned pedigree, which could: be traced for forty-five generations.! He was about 80 years of age, of dignified appaarance, and for bis innate courtesy, wis highly respected by all who knew him. We understand that the funeral will take place at 11 o'clock to-morrow (Wednesday), the remain--finding a last resting place in the chiefs'' burial ground near the uioulh of the Waioßgona river.