NATIVE TRIBUTES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 27 September 1927, Page 4

NATIVE TRIBUTES

TO LATE MR. T. W. LEWIS. (Contributed by Rev. F. A. Bennett). On Saturday afternoon a large number of the friends of the late Mr T. W. Lewis lollowed his mortal remains to their final resting place in the quiet and peaceful cemetery at Havelock North. Every legal firm in Hastings had their representatives to show their affection and respect to a brother solicitor. Amongst that large gathering there stood several representatives of the Maori people, amongst them being Mohi Te Atahikoia, the oldest chief of the Ngati Kahungunu tribe, and his wife Tangiora. On hearing that the funeral was to be on Saturday afternoon the old chief who himself has been very ill, got out of a bed oi sickness to pay his respects to one who for close on a generation had been a great ami personal friend, as well as a legal lo many ol the Maoris in Hawfie s Bay. The late Mr. Lewis was not only a Maori scholar, but an exceptionally able student of Maori problems. Ee had a vast knowledge ol Maori history, especially that which concerned the local Natives. In Sis intercourse and dealings with the Maori people lie was always the ideal English gentleman, tie was the same to tlie Maori as he was to the pakeha, always kindly, patient, with a heart that manifestly palpitated with Human sympathy and Kindness. Very genuine and heartfelt gnel is expressed by the Maoris on all sides at the loss of a highly respected and valued friend. Friendship is like the. ivy. ft clings to olden memories. So the Maori regards the old colonists as the best friends they ever Lad, for they seem to understand them better than the newcomers. When these old cords of friendship are snapped, to the Maori it means an almost irreparable loss. The heartfelt sympathy of both races is extended to the widow and family in their sudden bereavement. They have the consolation of knowing that their loved one was called home “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye’’ so that he was spared long periods of suffering and pain. He passed away in harness. With the spirit of resignation we can say, ‘Thy Will be done.” We have all to turn our faces towards the setting sun to go west some day. In the idiom of his old Maori friends we bid him farewell. Haere ra e koro, i te ara whanui, i te ara korikorlko a Tane, Haere ki to kamga tuturu o te tangata, Haere Ki te nono-i-wairau. (tare well oui triend and father. Pass along the wide and gleaming pain of the setting sun. Depart to me eternal Home, pass along to te nouo-i-wairiiu, tla gathering place of spirits.)

The sun sets, the sun i. - c a,u. There is a resurrection ni< Uui work and our influence goes on. nut we ad have to embark upon the restless breast of the Ucean-maiu, and follow the setting sun towards the spirit world, lour own English poet has written the embarking song:— “Sunset and evening star And one clear call for me. And may there be no moaning at the bar When 1 put out to sea; But such a tide as moving seems asleep Too full for sound or foam, When thut which drew from out the boundless deep Turn again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark. And may there be no sadness of farewell When 1 embark. For though from out our bourne of time or place The flood tide may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.”

NATIVE LAND COURT’S EULOGY. When the Native Land Court opened at Hastings this morning. Mr. D. ScMinel] referred hi feeling terms to the death of Mr. T. W. Lewis, with whom he had been closely associated in legal work in Hawke’s Bay for over 30 years. The deceased, he said, was a gentleman of marked ability, well “versed in Native law and proficient in the Native tongue. He always worked up his cases thoroughly and placed them before the courts in a clear, concise, and effective manner. He laboured long and faithfully in the interests of the Maori people and may be said to have died in harness because he had gone to Wellington in connection with an important Native case and there his earthly work came to a sad and abrupt end. Mr. Scannell expressed his deep regret for the loss of his oldest and dearest friend and could only give expression to the wish that he may rest in peace. Messrs Poara Kokino and Whenua. nui Nikera also paid their tribute of respect to the memory of one who had done so much to promote the interests of the Native people. Mr. Pfeifer, on behalf of the Survey Department, added his quota of respect, and said he had the highest regard for the late Mr Lewis, who was the embodiment of those Stirling qualities that make a perfect English gentleman, Mr. Tuiti McDonald, on behalf of the Native agents practising in the court, said they had been always under a deep debt of gratitude to Air. Lewis for the kindness and consideration shown to them by one so proficient in the law and procedure dealing with Native matters. He suggested that the Judge should send to the bereaved family a letter of condolence on behalf of the Hapungunu, Tuwharetoa, and Hineurn hapus and grant a short adjournment of the court out of respect for the deceased. Judge Gilfedder. M.A., LL.M., said he felt very acutely the demise of Mr. Lewis, whom he had known so long and so favourably in connection with the work of the Native Land Court and Appellate Court. For the last 20 years Mr. Lewis had practised before his court in a very able, conscientious manner. He was a fair and upright advocate, a man of courtesy and gentlemanly bearing and. whilst conserving and promoting the. best interests of his clients, he showed the utmost consideration fcr his opponents and never bv word or action ruffled their feelings. His intimate knowledge of the law, as well as the kind interest he always took in the Maori people, whose traits of character and aspirations he was so thoroughly acquainted with enabled him to do much to ameliorate their condition and* enhance their welfare. He (the Judge) coulj only

endorse the kind sentiments expressed by both pakena and native speakers to-day and would send to the sorrowing family a letter of condolence. exp'ressing thoir heartfelt sympathy: and out of respect for the memory of one who was held in such high regard and esteem, he would adjourn the court for an hour.