MAORI CREMATION. (PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IX, Issue 1605, 21 April 1887, Page 3

MAORI CREMATION. (PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

WELLINGTON, April 21

Wiremn Katene, an important chief of the Ngapuhi tribe, telegraphed from Rnssell on tbe 18th, complaining that evil was arising from the prophesying of Ani Kaaori, who burnt the body of the cead in the fire. He objects to this, and states that the chiefs of the Ngapuhi are consideiing the objectionable practices which have alreßdy taken place at Ngapuhi and Rawara, in that part of the island. He asks the opinion of the Government. The Native Minister, replying, regrets that the innovation should disturb the mind of loyal natives, butpoiDts out that the fame innovation is carried out in Europe, and ifc is tolerated by the Europeans, who adhere to old customs. He suggested that the natives should take DO notice of crematiou, and the practice would soon die out. Kaienewirec? yesterday that the Minister apparently did not understand the facts. The motive was that the body was burned as a sacrifice to their God, and even if their God were to order them to eat the dead they would do it. He considers it a mobt dreadful act.

Mr. Ballance now advises the Chiefs' to call all the peopie together to discuss the whole matter so as to create public feeling, and i£ possible hustle the woruan oak oi the district.

"We remind our readers ol to-night's lecture at the Presbyterian Church.

"We learn that there was no insurance on Mr. F. McGuire's store, which was burned down, at Patea the other day.

The short summary of Major Atkinson's speech last night containing 582 words was received at the telegraph office at 10.20 and finished at 10.58. The long summary with 2758 words was commenced at 11.2 p.m. and was all despatched at 12.34. The morning papers cannot well complain of the lateness of the hour when the message reached them.