PASSING OF A CHIEF.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 31 January 1929, Page 9

PASSING OF A CHIEF.

MAORI FUNERAL RITES. j IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY. The last sad rites connected with the passing into the spirit world of the Maori Chief, Pbitutu, of Ketemarae, were solemnly celebrated at the former residence in the Pa, Te Manawanui, a name which carries with it a valued lesson to his followers, as it may be freely translated: ‘ ‘Be of stout heart, and even mind, in all circumstances. ’’ The body lay in solemn state, attended only by women relatives until this morning. Shortly after midday the Rev. Robert Haddon, accompanied by relatives and friends and with ten Maori maidens dressed in white and wearing ample wreaths of green, emblem of the need of keeping the memory ever fresh, assembled in the whare. Mr II ad don recited in Maori the first portion of the funeral service .and when that was concluded the girls in perfect time, rhythm and tune sang a hymn. The final words of the first portion over, the girls assisted by two of the men of the tribe, bore the coffin to the waiting _ vehicle on which it was raised. Meantime the whole of the assembled -elder women broke ojut into a chant of mourning and Availing for the dead and this farewell from his people continued until the cortege had gone far on the way to the cemetery. The burial ground is on a lovely spot near the corner of the Austin and Mountain Roads, and has a view all over the surrounding 1 country. No more fitting resting place could be imagined for the d'ead of the Maori race.