LATE MAORI "KING"

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 84, 6 October 1933, Page 5

LATE MAORI "KING"

STEADY/INFLUXTtTPA'

PREPARATIONS FOR TANGI The esteem in which the late Maori r'king," Te-Bata Mahutu to WheroWhero, was held is evidenced by the large, gathering of Maoris at his home pa, Waahi, Huntly, to attend the tangi prior to his burial, sates the "New Zealand Herald." Over 1000, Maoris, representing-tribes from all parts of the Waikato and King Country, havealready gathered, and extensive preparations are being made for the reception of probably 2000 more who are expected from the East Coast and other distant places during the next few da/s. The casket containing the body is lying in a small wharo surrounded by mats, . ferns, and photographs. , - Women relatives sit round tho casket bewailing the loss of the chief, while outside over 200 women are seated, keeping them company. All the Maoris are wearing willow round their heads and bodies as a sign of mourning. Over 200 visitors arrived by car, lorry, and train on Tuesday afternoon. For hours they sat outside tho gates of the pa, and they were then given a characteristic welcome Maori men and women in the pa approached the entrance waving fronds of fern and branches of „ willow, and in a loud, wailing chant they welcomed the visitors, who responded in similar fashion. Large marquees are being erected for tho accommodation of the greatly increased population of tho pa, and a large number of women are engaged mV preparing meat and potatoes for their guests. There was a good deal of movement in the pa on Tuesday, but it was more in the nature of preparation for the tangi, which will be in full swing from today until Sunday, when the interment will take place. Europeans were not admitted to the \-illage on Tuesday, with the exception of Sergeant Cowan, of Pukekohe, and officers of the Health Department. Camp police have been appointed and they guard the gates against intruders and watch tho conduct of the inmates. Seven young men who were caught trying to photograph the wharo containing the body of the late "king" were taken before the Maori council. Fines of 5s were imposed on each of the delinquents. The discipline generally is of a high standard. Advice was received on Tuesday that the Bt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Finance, will visit tho pa on Saturday, and special preparations are boing made for his reception. Business people report that trade has been very brisk this week as tho result of the influx of Maoris, who appear to have plenty of money to spend. Taxidrivers, in particular, are kept very busy in running backwards and forwards to the pa with loads of passengers.