UNIQUE MAORI FUNERAL

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10628, 6 May 1912, Page 5

UNIQUE MAORI FUNERAL

THE BURIAL OF HEM I MATE N DA.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WAKAPUAKA, Last Ni^it. The funeral ohsequfres c'f the late Hemi Miatenga (Martin), husband, ctf J.ulia Martin (Grace. Datrliing), was ctondupfced Ithis afternoon, at the Native burial ground, Wakapuaka, near Peppins Islandi, and within ta few miles of the Eastern Extension cablet staltion. The deceased, ibeing a wellknowoi and noted Maori chkifitafin l , was iresponsiMe for' a large attendance of influential .Natives from all parts oif tihe Dlomiinion.

(For upwalrds of a week it wais. impossible! (to engage a-'vehicle from any stable, in Nelscn, tar. the • funeral. Yehidkis were numioeired in hundreds at the* pah, and for significance the tailga will never agaih :be equailled in tTie iNekon district.. The total cost is over £6OO. The burial service 'was conducted 'by Rev. Ven. Archdeacon 1 Grace and 'Riev. Bennett.. Subsequently elalbclrate preparations were made for entertaining the visitors, who were sumptuously provided for. An old identity informs the Press Association representative that die was present at the .wi'eck of the Delaware, and the deceased as? well as his wife lent valuable assistance in life saving; a that on: one occasion he crossed from Kapiiti' Island to Wakapuaka in an open canoe. Deceased leaves a Oarge and vailu--aMe estate, whioh is 'being freely distcusised locally, portions being very fdrtile, 'and isuggesitiions have been made that the' •Government should aitteniipt to acquire it for closer settlement.