OTAKI.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 180, 25 April 1908, Page 8

OTAKI.

Mr. Byron Brown has announced his in-tention-of contesting thel Otaki seat at the coming elections. Mr. Brown will stand as an Independent and 'No-License candidate.. Ropata To Ao,' the well-known Otaki Maori rangatira, died at his residence on Thursday• afternoon: Deceased was. in his usual good health until about a'week ago, after which lie . sank rapidly. The late Ropata To Ao (says the "Otaki Mail") was about '78 years -of age, and had lived practically air his. life in. the district. He was, at tho time of .his death, tho leading chioftain of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, and recognised as_. one of the foremost Natives in, the Dominion. , For three years, succeeding the late Hoani Taipua,' he was Maori member _of Parliament for the Western Division, being succeeded in this positiou by tho present, member, Honare Kaihau. He was patron of the local Maori Racing Club, and in all-matters affecting tho Native race wa3 recognised as one of .the foremost men in tho district. Deceased leaves only«pne son, Mr. Hema R. To Ao, ono of the filing chieftains of the district, and a than very widely respected among both Europeans and Maoris. The late Ropata To Ao was a magnificent specimen of tho Maori, being a man of splendid physique, tall; heavily built, and of a commanding appearancc. i Already largo numbers of Natives are pouring into Otaki from all sides. It. is anticipated that the tangi will bo ono of the largest held locally for many years.. FEATHEIISTON. The gymnasium , which was recently oponed at Kahwtara cost £79. Tho Education Board contributed £20, aiid the settlors subscribed tho balance. On account of the memorial servico to. tho lato Mr. Anders Anderson being held in 1 tho Methodist Church hero to-morrow evening,' , tho. Presbyterian service will ho hold in tho morning.

, The Newtown, Brass Band will play at Newtown Park to-morrow afternoon. Tho annual meeting of shareholders of the New Zealand Investment, Mortgage, and Deposit, Company, Ltd,, . will bo hold -In the! of Commerce on'May;6, At.11.30 a.m.