DEATH AT 67

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 106, 6 May 1944, Page 7

DEATH AT 67

MR. H. TAI MITCHELL

WORK FOR MAORI I'EOrLE (0.C.) ROTORUA, this day. Following a collapse, Mr. Henry Tai Mitchell, C.M.G., Ohinemutu, Rotorua. died last night at the age of 67. Mr.t Mitchell was well-known for the part he played in Maori legal matters. He was a half-caste and was the son of a prominent Government vommissioner and a leading chieftainess of the Ngati Whakaue tribe, Ohinemutu.

Mr. Mitchell- was at one time a surveyor with the Lands and Survey Department, and later on his own account. In 1926 he joined the Native Department as Judge's assistant and consolidation officer. He did survey work for the Government in the Cook Islands and in the early 1930's travelled to England with a party which included Sir Apirana Ngata.

Chairman of the Arawa District Trust Board since it was formed about 20 years ago, Mr. Mitchell did much work for the Crown and native interests .in the Urewera Country. He was a member of the Rotorua Borough Council for several terms. He was interested in sport and was first secretary of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, and for many years secretary of the Rotorua sub-union. He was president of the Bay of Plenty Swimming Centre.

Mr. Mitchell is survived by his wife, a chieftainess of the Thames tribe, and a large family. A brother, Nira, assisted in the late Mr. Mitchell's legal work.