PATHWAY OF TANAE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 18 July 1929, Page 5

PATHWAY OF TANAE.

MAORI. CHIEFTAIN PASSES. IM PRESS LYE FUNERAL CEHEAiONY. The ceremonies associated witli the decease of prominent personages of the Maori race Have drawn a big gathering of Maoris from all parts or tne Taranaki district, together with representatives of other portions of the North Island, to the Xgatiki Pa, near Hawera, where a tangi is in progress to mark the passing of Alaroivopa Taliuata, a leading chief of the Taranaki province, whose death occurred at his home at Taiporohenui on Saturday. It i.s expected that the proceedings will extend over several days. The lineage of Marokopa Taliuata connected him in the' Taranaki district with the noted Hone Pihama, and in the northern part of the island the family line traced back to the famous cnief Maniapoto, founder of the tribe of that name. Because of this, but more particularly through his personal character, he was a widely respected elder. Throughout his lifetime he took a prominent part in movements for the betterment of his people, and among other activities was notable as one of the original and most influential of the Taranaki chieftains who made the representations resulting in the appointment a few years ago' of the Royal Commission to investigate' the confiscation of Maori lands during the early period of European settlement in the district.

Indications of the high esteem he had earned in the minds of those who knew him were given at the funeral on Tuesday in the Maori , cemetery. Addresses to the dead conveying a tribute rendered to the memory of only the most highly revered of Maoris were delivered by several chieftains during the service conducted by the Rev. R T. 11 addon, who made reference in terms of eulogy to the exemplary spirit of service shown by deceased throughout liis lifetime and his sterling qualities, judged from both the Maori and the pakeha. standards of character. The impressive terms for which Maori oratory is noted characterised the addresses of the chieftains.

“Depart, oh sir, along the broad pathway of Tanae,’’ was a typical utterance speeding the soul on its journey and commending it to the care of the deity who watches over,the dead.

“Depart to your great ancestors who have passed before you. Sleep the everlasting sleep with the knowledge that you have completed that which you set out to accomplish.” were among further messages, the latter referring particularly to the successful endeavours of the deceased to secure recognition of his people’s rights to lands of the district. “Depart to the land whence no messenger returns. Lie on the bed that will not he disturbed and on the pillow that will not be taken away.” An equally impressive silence followed the addresses as, in concluding the ceremony, the mourners stood mutely with bowed heads in final tribute to the departed rangitira.