MAORI "KING" DIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 232, 2 October 1933, Page 8

MAORI "KING" DIES.

TANGI PREPARATIONS.

700 ANIMALS ORDERED.

To Fata. Maliuta Te Wherowhero, fourth of the lino of Maori "kings" «et up in ISSB, died yesterday. He was a descendant of the famous Potatau Te Wherowhero, who was elected to lead the Maoris in opposing land acquisition. The chief, who was 49 years of age, died at his home near Huntly, after an illness of several years' duration. For some time past he has been unable to take an active part in the political and' national life of the Maori people. He was held in honour by the Maoris throughout New Zealand, and just prior to his death had been invited to visit the tribes of the East Coast, who in the past have not been so intimately associated with tlie king movement as the Waikato and central tribes.

Representatives of practically all the tribes in Xew Zealand will gather for what will probably be the largest tangi over hold in recent years. Already Princess Tβ Puea, first cousin to Tβ Rata Mahiita, has given orders for the killing of COO pigs and 100 head of cattle. The funeral will take place next Sunday. Messages of sympathy, which have come from all parts of the Dominion, include a telegram from the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates.

The question ot succession may present difficulties, as the heir, Koroki Mahuta, To Rata Maliuta'e only son, is not desirous of accepting the office. The matter will be discussed by the various representatives at the tangi.