DEATH OF HORI NGATAI.

The death occurred at Whareroa on Saturday morning of Hori Ngatai, the well-known chief of the Ngaiterangi tribe, at the age of 88 years. About two years ago deceased met with a severe accident through being dragged for some distance by a horse which he was engaged harnessing to a vehicle. The shock proved too much for the aged chief, and he never recovered from the effects of the accident, and his health gradually failed.. Every, thing possible was done for his comfort by'the numerous members of his family, but the end, which was not unexpected, took place as above stated. Prior to his death HoriNgatai completed all arrangements in regard to property matters with (nY family, Rewiti Ngatai becoming director of the hapu's affairs.. Dei ceased fought against the Europeans at Gate Pa aid Te Renga, but a few months afterwards took a prominent part in the peace negotiations/ the influence exerted by him being no small factor in bringing about friendly relations between the European and Maori races. Thereafter, he took a great interest in Native affairs, and was appointed by the Government as an Assessor of the Native Land Court, Magisterial Assessor, and Licensing Assessor. The Ngaiterangis allowed great faith in the deceased chief, and on numerous occasions cent him to Wellington to represent many matters to the Government. The late Hori Ngatai was born in the Tauranga district, and always took considerable interest in the affairs of the Church of England. He was always noted for hia generous hospitality. At the time of the vint of the Duke and Duchess of York to Rotorua he proceeded thither with a number of his people and presented the Duke wjtft;;; valuable presents, receiving in retfn a medal. Deceased's wife, a wombV of high rank, predeceased:■'him i)y<t:■ years ago. He is survived by four Eons, three daughters, arid numerous \ and great grandchildren. The tangi will be, on; a most extensive scale, and hundreds of mourners are expected to attend from all parts of New Zealand :->.;-U^7

Mr T. W. Philpotts, Clerk of the Court, has received a telegram from the Under-Secertary of Native AffliirV intimating that the Government will pay for the coffin and the direct expenses of the funeral. ■ V r

Reweti Ngatai has tendered an mvi-; ation to the Mayor and Borough Councillors to vißit Whareroa, in coih;; nection with the obsequies. ■; s We understand that it is likely the deceased chief will be interred in the military cemetery, where a numberof his countrymen v/ho fell at Gate Pa were laid to rest. i