THE LAST RITES

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20493, 9 May 1938, Page 9

THE LAST RITES

' BURIAL OF MAORI CHIEF GATHERING AT NGARUAWAHIA JOURNEY DOWN THE RIVER Yesterday afternoon, in the presence of a very large assembly of Maori and pakeha people, the mortal remains of Tumate Mahuta, third son of the late King Mahuta, were Interred In the ancestral burial ground on the slopes of the Taupiri mountain. During the week a tangi had been held at the pa at Ngaruawahia and Maoris from all parts had come to pay their respects in the ancient manner of their race to the memory of one who had been a rangitira of the Waikato tribes. The attendance at the pa yesterday afternoon \vas probably between 3000 and 4000. The coffin lay in a special tent facing the marae and was covered by korowai that had been in the possession of the royal family for generations. Ministers of several denominations took part in the service and the singing was led by the Ngaruawahia Band. The service was conducted In Maori, but the Rev. Te Tuhl, superintendent of the Methodist Maori Mission, gave a brief address In English. He said that the Maori people had made rapid progress from the stone age. which had in their case lasted until not much rgore than a century ago, to the civilisation of the 20th century. Some held that they should have made even more progress, but the Maoris themselves to-day recognised that they must be prepared to meet’the challenge of modern conditions and prepare to play their part in the national life. The Maori people already had something to be proud of, but they must not cease in their efforts, especially in directing the lives of the younger people. Journey Down the River At the conclusion of the service the elder women commenced a pathetic cry as six stalwart young men. all dressed in korowais and piupiu, lifted the coffin to their shoulders and carried it ftpm the marae. They were followed by the band, and the only sound for a moment or two was the * heating of a muffled drum- Following the band came the relatives of the deceased, then a party of military officers followed by a large cortege of Maoris and pakehas, led by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates. Slowly the procession passed down the avenue leading to the main gate, and then turning left It entered the roadway leading to the banks of the Waikato River. Maori women dressed in black, and with circlets of green on their heads, had taken up their position above the landing stage that had been erected some weeks ago for the reception of the Governor-General. Here a large canoe, which had floated on the Waikato River mofe than a hundred years ago, was waiting and very reverently the coffin was placed on a platform amidships, for the last journey of a Waikato chief. The paddlers took their positions and the widow of the deceased with a kinswoman of the Ngatimanlapoto tribe, took their seats by the coffin. Silently the big canoe swung out Into mid-river, and two other large canoes, fully manned, came down to act as escort. Suddenly the captain of the leading canoe, making a motion to all the paddlers. raised his voice In what appeared to be a challenging question. At once, and as though from one man, came a most impressive reply. Again the question was asked, and again the reply made, and then dipping their paddles in wonderful unison, the crews set out on their Journey down the historic river. Thousands of people had lined the banks and there were large numbers on the bridges. Just below the pa. The mourners, and perhaps a majority of those present, now returned to the pa and entered motor-cars that were drawn up in the roadway adjoining. Between 300 and 400 cars formed the procession. King Korokl and his relatives occupying the leading vehicle. At Taupiri there was another very large concourse. The gateway to the path leading up the steep hillside had been covered with greenery and the path put In order for the bearers. Impressive Maori Ceremony In a little while the three canoes » swept silently around the bend of the * river and turned as one to make for the mouth of the stream which enters the Waikato under the shadow of the mountain- Again the voice of the commander was raised and again the impressive response came over the water. Then silently the canoes passed under the bridge and drew alongside the bank on the right. Here was drawn up a party led by a Tuwharetoa skilled in the use of the ancient weapons of the Maori people. The landing of the coffin wa3 made with Impressive ceremony and the procession at once moved off on the last stage of the sad journey. A large party of Maori women preceded the bearers and their words and actions, for each carried a small green branch, seemed to be a farewell salutation to the spirit of the deceased. As the bearers commenced the arduous climb up the steep hillside the Ngaruawahia Band, stationed at the foot, played the Dead March in “Saul” and the elderly Maori people wept openly. The pakehas. realising the depth of the grief felt by the Maori people, also paid tribute to the memory of one who had been a leader of the Nati\e race.

As soon as the cortege began the climb a large party of Maori women ranged along the burial ground at the top of the spur and each with a branch of greenery in her hand commenced to cry aloud. Their rythmical movements seen against the sky, were particularly impressive. Several hundred people made the ascent and the service at the grav.*side was conducted by the Rev. T. Ropere. of the Church of England, assisted by a layman of the Arawa tribe. Mr 11. Poklha, a descendant of Pokiha, an Arawa rangitira. who was once mentioned in connection with the kingship. At the conclusion of the service the people wended their way slowly down the spur, and set out on the return journey. leaving at rest in the burial ground of their ancestors, once the site of a Maori pa for the earthworks can still be seen) the mortal remains of one who had been prominent in all movements affectin* the welfare and the progress of the peoples of the Waikato.