Obituary MR H. W. WAKEFIELD
Mr Harry Wira Wakefield, who was a Maori representative at the opening of the Australian Federal Parliament in 1901, died in Christchurch yesterday. His age was uncertain, but it is thought that he was 22 when he married in 1890. Mr Wakefield was born in Little River and went to Tuahiwi, where, after working as a farm labourer, he became the local policeman at the age of 19. At the time of his diamond wedding anniversary in 1950 he was quoted as saying: “My main job was to keep liquor away from the pa, and I think I did a pretty good job.” After leaving the Police Force he came to Christchurch and worked with a contracting firm, helping to lay streets in Sydenham and Woolston. Sport was a centre of Mr Wakefield’s life and he engaged in athletics, wrestling and football. He excelled at football, touring the North Island with a Maori team in 1901.
Mr Wakefield married Martha Rlckus in 1890. They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 1950. Mrs Wakefield died three years ago. Of his 12 children he is survived by six; 60 grandchildren and 28 great-grand-children.
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Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29001, 16 September 1959, Page 17
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196Obituary MR H. W. WAKEFIELD Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29001, 16 September 1959, Page 17
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