DEATH OF A MAORI CHIEF.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2108, 7 October 1890, Page 4

DEATH OF A MAORI CHIEF.

Events are ever occurring which remind us that time is fleeting. The Maori chiefs of the Middle Island are gradually passing away. On the 21st ult. Merekikereka Hape, of Puketeraki, near Waikouaiti, a chief connected by descent and marriage with theNgatiata, Ngatituahuriri, and other hapus of the Ngaitahu Ngatimamoe tribes, died at the advanced age of 80 years. Belonging to Arowhenua, a village near Temuka, Canterbury province, he settled at an early age at Puketeraki, and came under the influence of the Wesleyan Mission which was established to that place 47 years ago under the Rev. Mr Watkin. The Rev. Mr Creed succeeded about three years subsequently to the charge of the mission. Through the care and instruction of these missionaries, Hape was induced to adopt English habits and customs. He also imbibed many of the precepts of Christianity, and made considerable progess in reading and writing his own language. His career and progess may properly be regarded as proof that missionary labour is productive of good results. About 31 years ago the Wesleyans, having been constrained by circumstances to relinquish the field, Puketeraki passed into the hands of the Anglican Church, Mr Barker being tbe first representative. In course ot time Hape become a lay leader, which office he held until his death. Leading an exemplary life, he exercised considerable influence over his people. To his efforts, in a great measure, the Natives have been restrained from habits of drinking. He . commanded the confidence of European settlers and Natives alike, his word being respected and relied upon by all. Several years ago he accepted the position of Native magistrate. It may not be without interest to old settlers to know that his wife, Katerina Kahuti, was a daughter of the old chief keown by the name of “ Blueskin.” During his declining years Dr Hocken regularly attended him, affording him relief from the complaint of asthma, which afflicted him- He was buried in the cemetery adjoining the church of his village on the 28th ult., by the Rev. Mr Freer. Several hundred Natives from WaikoUfltiti, Temuka, Moeraki, Otago Heads, TaiVi, and Port Melyneux, and a large number' of Europeans followed has remains to the grave. Among those present at tbe funeral were th® Hon. Mr Taiaroa, M.L.C., Mr Thomas Pratt, M.H.R., Judge Trimbell and officers of the Native Land Court, and Mr H. Turton, Native Trust Commissioner. —Otago Daily Times.