KING MAHUTA'S DEATH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 150, 12 November 1912, Page 5

KING MAHUTA'S DEATH.

TRAGIC SUDDENNESS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Monday. Malmta Tawhiao Te Wherowlicro, "King" of the Maoris, died with tragic suddenness on Saturday evening' about 10 o'clock at Waahi. Though able to be about the deceased rangatira felt indisposed on Thursday, when visiting Iluntly, but seemed strong and vigorous. On Friday and Saturday he was not in his usual health, and he died suddenly and unexpectedly. He was about 57 years of age. The remains of the "King" lie on the western side of the .Marae (square) under a canvas roof, supported by wooden posts, the corpse being surrounded by wailing women, who with ey e „ suffused with tears, and with garlands of willow bound round closely cropped heads, keep up that ]ow-tone<l .wailing of melancholy cadence which is so characteristic of Native sorrow. There were few about the settlement on Sunday, the few being scattered about the Marae in little groups. Their tear-bedowed checks and forlorn aspect speak elo-quently-of sorrow for the death of one who, with all his human failings, was their father and beloved of the tribesmen. Europeans are rigidly excluded from the kianga, a. sentry on guard turning all visitors away with courteous firmness. He explained that his own people desired to have Sunday witli their dead, undisturbed by visits even of friends. No ' cause is assigned for Mahuta's death, i and as far as can be ascertained no med- i ical man has visited Waahi, or has seen « the body. Mahuta and his family were 1 1 about to move into a fine new residence, ( which is just being finished. Mahuta 1 took great interest in the construction and furnishing of the new house and was making plans for its opening, which would coincide with the marriage of his second son.