RAGLAN.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 490, 21 September 1899, Page 4

RAGLAN.

Great TiNGi.—Th6 natives from Waikato, Aotea, Kawhia and many other parts are uow assembled in great numbers, computed at from 600 to 1000 souls, and consisting of representatives of the following tribes : Ngati Hahutu, Ngatitewehi, Patupu, Ngatihikairo, Ntatimaniapoto, Ngatimahanga, Ngatihourua, Ngatitahinga, and other small hapus, the occasion of this great gathering being the death of a great and notabk chief, Wetini Mahikai, of the Tainui tribe. The deceased was a wellknown resident Raglan native ; a staunch friend to the Europeans, along with the late chief William Naylor and others during all the native disturbances, and more prominently during the Waikato trouble in 1863 and 1864, when the European residents here were in great jeopardy. The deceased traced his descent from his great ancestor Hoturoa, who is said to have come over from Hawaiki in the historical canoe Tainui, and which is still said to be on the beach at Kawhia Harbour, but now turned into stone, a great object of interest to all visitors to those parts. The deceased Wetini Mahikai, Te Wherowhero, and about one hundred and eighty others left To Kuiti on the 18th of .fuly last for Hawera to be present at the opening of a large house—Taiporoheniu. On the way back ho broke a blood vessel near the Mokau Headc, and was taken from there to Te Kuiti on a dray sle.lge. He reached Whatawhata on the sth of the present month, in a very serious condition and died there en the 9th inst. His boiy was conveyed to his home at Te Kopua, oil the 12th inst. So soon as the death of this notable chief became known, large numbers of natives arrived and were received with full native eeremoDy, firing of guns, presentation of food and the haka given. Large quantities of food have been provided for the guests, as is the custom when uuy great tangi is held. The deceased was a policeman in 1860, sergeant of police in 18G3, and afterwards Native Assessor, assisting the late Dr. Harsant, E. M., here when trying native cases. He leaves a widow and daughter, nine grand children, and one great grand child. Thus passed away another of the old time Rangitiras, and u power in the land, a man of great influence among his people, a.nd deservedly respected too by his European neighbours for his loyalty and for protecting their lives when in danger from native ruids. (Own Correspondent).