LAST RESPECTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 12, 15 January 1940, Page 3

LAST RESPECTS.

MR. JAMES RUKUTAI'S FUNEBAI*. The funeral on Saturday to the historic St. James' Maori cemetery at Mangere of Mr. James Kukiitai, an influential member of the native race, was largely attended, the cortege from Onehunga including prominent citizens of Auckland and a general representation of the Maori tribes of New Zealand. Impressive Maori ceremonial rites, with testimonial addresses were conducted at the home of the deceased's daughter, Mrs. S. Watene, where Tawauwau Tapihana and Tema Tewene, the principal speakers, paid tribute to the memory of the departed rangatira of the Ngati Hikairo and Xgati Hourua tribes. Mr. Rukutai was also closely related to the Xgati Mahuta tribe and was a cousin of the late king, Rata. His noted ancestor was Puhiawe, overlord of the territory from Tamaki (Auckland) to Mokau (Taranaki). The graveside services were conducted by the Revs. Tokorau Poihipi and E. Pepemana, and Mr. G. Harrieon, Worehipful Master of Lodge Manukau, No. 24, of which Mr. Rukutai was a highly respected officer, read the Masonic ritual. Mr. W. Edwards represented the Maori Royal family, the chief members i of which were visiting Otaki from Nga- j ruawahia. Judge Acheson and Mr. Pae Jones were present for the Native Department and others in attendance were the Mayor of Onehunga, Mr. A. Garside,. the president of the New Zealand Rugby ' Football League, Mr. J. A. Redwood, I the chairman and deputy chairman of the Auckland Rugby League, Messrs. [ G. Grev Campbell and E. J. Phelan respectively, and all units in the game of which the deceased had Jbeen an international player and latterly an administrator, as a member of the A.R.L. Con- . trol Board and chairman of the New Zealand Rugby League Maori Control Board. He was also chairman of Tβ Akarana Maori Association.