The Passing of Hamiora Hakopa

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 27, 17 January 1930, Page 10

The Passing of Hamiora Hakopa

Solemn Pageantry of Maori Burial

Rom an impressive account in the "Wanganui Herald" of the burial of Hamiora Hakopa, whose untimely death was announced last week, we take the following :- Something of a scene in -the setting laid for the radio Maori pageant, yet of more reg] consequence, was provided in the closing ceremonies incidental. to the passing of Hamiora Hakopa, who died on New Year’s Day, Here, in the ald Kawhaike paih, the final scene in the passing of a life was enacted in a real setting.. No announcer here; the events must take their own course, Outside the tent where lay the casket, covered with a mat and .ensign; in the back ground scenes and photographs taken of the pageant party in Wanganui and Wellington. Several wreaths, inctud... ing one large floral representation in blue and gold in the form of a 2YA studio microphone, a token of love and ‘vespect from the party, were laid on either side’ by the sorrowing mother and widow, the assisting wailing women taking their accustomed places on either side of the coffin. "In this impressive sanctuary cover ing the remains of this young orator whose voice no more would be heard. the mourners remained with their precious charge, regardless of the weather; but a few minutes longer and their long vigil would be at an end, In the meeting house adjacent the tribesmen are gathered, representative chiefs from the Wanganui and up-river settlements, others from the Ratana. movement, There the father of Hamiorn sits by himself, isolated and in grief. One by one the chiefs present their tribute to the works and memory of the departed young man. Most of them men advanced in years, saddened by the thought of one who wonld have taken his place in the councils of the race removed so suddenly from among them. . The building in which these orations are being made is of great historical interest, and prominently displayed is a very valuable photographie record of the first Kotahitanga set up many years ago. It is a memorial photograph now, for practically all these worthies have passed into the realms of night. In this building where these met in council long years since the virtues of this young leader were being placed on record by his elders, To the uninitiat

eda drab place, but a place of memories précious in the records of the Maori yvace. Here in a centre of ancient Maori: lore two years ago practices were put in hand for the first radio pageant. Yesterday, thanks to the Broadeasting Company, the leaders re ferted to the wide knowledge the radio world had gained through the medium of Hamiora Halropa and the party of the Maori. people. . ‘ Among those present with members of the 2¥A party were Messrs. O, Kits0n and R. M, Ritchie, both associated with the present organisation and specially privileged visitors who were accorded a tribal welcome when they appeared on the marae, Final Obsequies. "PHEN . the approach of the honr fixed for the general obsequies. A priest, the Rey. lather Vibaud, takes his place before the tent, and in accordance with the ceremonial of his church, proceeds with the service, the natives joining in the responses with deep devotion, Gradually the rain be comes more and more incessant; then the singing of "Nearer My God to Thee"; next the preparations for removal of the casket to the cemetery. A lerry stands adjacent to the tert, beautifully festooned with greenery. In the-pelting rain the casket is borne to the improvised hearse, the priest takes his seat, and with the mournful tinkling of a bell the last sad stage is commenced,’ Down the rough road by the river the procession goes, the attendants comparatively few, for the rain pelts down with increasing vio. lence, But as the distance is traversed the wailing of the mourners ¢an still be heard. From the hilltop the coffin is taken to the open grave. There among the hills the officiating priest performs the final duties of his office. -Then the coffin is lowered to the grave. with the deceased’s belongings, in accordance with Maori custom, Some earth from the battlefields of Hurope "is sprinkled over the casket, and all is finished, Returned to the marae, the gathering is called to the festive board, literally groaning with the weight of good things, With the opening remarks a request is made for the pakeha visitors to speak. Mr, R, W, Ritchie, in conyeying the sympathy of the Broadcast:

-. ing Company, referred in detail to the events of the pageant and of its. ag significance that day. Mr. Kitson lowed similarly, Their remarks wens interpreted by Mr. T, Takarangi. Then the visitors dispérse, leaving the people ef the pa to themselves. Custom must have its way, but a newlymoulded grave guarded by "Parakaia, the Spirit of the Pageant, * on the extremity of the marae, will not be forgotten: for has not the voice af. Hamiora Hakopa proceeded to the ends of the earth in his days of life; now he has joined the spirits. of those In the uttermost parts of whose prowess and exploits it was his joy to tell, Au end, but yet hot the end of all. Thus the: final scene which no pageant can ‘éver portray: a scene wech only in its own time and an 8 penetrate in- its sadness to the of the human heart, With the exception of the officiat: ing priest and the schoolmaster at Upnokongaro, Messrs, Kitson and Ritchie were the only Europeans with the large gathering, and they appreciated the kind attentions bestowed upon them throughout the proceedings. Mr. Rama Whanarere and his peaple went tocne end of pains te make. them feel at home in the course of the proceelings, while the hand of friendship was extended freely by tesident and visitor alike, \