THE BURIAL OF A WARRIOR.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3679, 4 December 1890, Page 3

THE BURIAL OF A WARRIOR.

Ng&taore's Funeral - mlc climax of the tangi and tbo viamlo and audible manifestations of ' grief was reached at the Black Bridge ; Yesterday, when the body of poor old ! tfgatuer« l'aiwhirimatea ra oere- . .tijioniously buried by his kindred and \ people. About five hundrtd natives '■ trim all parts, including quite remote localities, had assembled at the Ifaibhino Pah, and tljere were besides fully one hundred white »\ people present, who were spectators the strange tokens of mourning tie Maories adopt. The utterances c|grief were numerous, and ever and jtmwoald resound the sad lameiis wkaori tongue: " Ngatuere gone s gone! Ngatuere to God had 'Tiie!" The leading visiting chiefs idproumieut membew of Ngatuere's Jipualso in turn recited the virtues departed friend, and descanted upon the affliction it caused them. JJood in abundance was spread, 'ppo fashion, on tablecloths on the grass, and Maori women and girls generously helped the European in true hospitable spirit, Ngatuore's iiouso one room " cwajihed a very superior light repast, Mwmany were cordially invited to partake of this refreshment. Mr T EjPrice, our enterprising and enthusiastic photographer, was thero and secured several good plates. One represented the coffin of Ngatuere resting on tbo verandah of his house, ' cohered with flowers and beautiful wreaths, and surrounded by liis relatives and kindred. Another included the whole of those present ; wljile a third was a general view of till pah and the people scattered about. ! The funeral itself took place at half palt three, and the service was read by : the Eev Mr Pinihea, a Maori clergyman of the Church of England, The grave was almost square, being about , sevin feet long by six feet wide and it vfas only three feet deep. It is intended to brick it in and surmount ' it masonry, Ngatuere was buried near the long shed across the road and almost opposite his house. Tha bodies of other members of his gfamily rest in a vault close by.