Kaumatua part of sacred journey

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 7, 14 July 1987, Page 6

Kaumatua part of sacred journey

Maungarongo Marae Kaumatua Matiu Mareikura is part of a contingent of representatives from tribes in the Wanganui area who plan to make a trip to Australia in the future, to bring home a family member who is nearly 100 years overdue. Te Umuroa was a young man when he last saw his family at Jerusalem on the Wanganui River, before he was deported to a prison in Tasmania, Australia, on a charge of murder. He served two years behind bars before word came through from the then Governor General of New Zealand, Sir George Grey, that Te Umuroa was cleared ■■■■

of all charges. He died in prison before he was able to be released. Te Umuroa's supposed crime was the killing of an officer of the New Zealand constabulary. Descendants of the young, man's family, members of the Ngati Hau tribe, recently made a request to the New Zealand Government to bring back Te Umuroa's remains, to his Turangawaewae (home marae) and lay him to rest. The group going to Australia includes Ned Tapa, Jim Bailey, Nohi Wallace and three representatives from Maungarongo Marae, Lei Mareikura, Joan Akapita and Matiu Mareikura. The party were originally

to have departed sometime in July but the exact date is as yet undetermined while they wait to hear from the ministers of Maori Affairs, Justice and Internal Affairs. The party are hopeful of substantial financial backing by the Government which is yet to be finalised. Mr Mareikura will play an important role in the recovery of Te Umuroa, as special protocol procedures need to be followed. Ancient incantations are part of the ritual uplifting of the body. Mr Mareikura said that Te Umuroa had the privilege of being buried outside of the prison which no longer exists as a penal colony.