Funeral of Hon. Wi Tako.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IX, Issue 1786, 22 November 1887, Page 2

Funeral of Hon. Wi Tako.

(per united press association.)

WELLINGTON, November 20. The funeral of the late Hon. Wi Tako Ngatata, who died a few days ago, took place this afternoon, and was the largest ever seen m this district and probably in the colony. The weather was fine. At 2 o'clock a special train, conveying the Wellington Naval Artillery, the D. Battery of Artillery, and the firat battalion of the Wellington Rifle Volunteer*, left lor Pecone, where the Volunteers disembarked and were joined by the Petone Navals and the Heretaunga Cavalry. The Government launch Ellen Ballance took over 50 of the permanent force, aud these composed the firing patty. M 2.30 the ordinary passeDger tram left town and took over 3000 people ; besides this several of tbe harbor boats carried passengers to thebeacb, and the road was largely patronised, being line 1 ! with vehicles of all descriptions. The coffin was carried on a gun carriage, and the procession proceeded to the naval burial ground at Petone, the carriage being drawn by a detachment of the Petone Navals. The procession was a mile in length, and was witnessed by thousands, amongst the followers being the members of the Cabinet and nearly all the members of the Legislature. It is understood that the fea&t in connection with the death of this well-known chief will cost over .£SOO. The crush at the Wellington railway station was the largest ever seen here, and, in the anxiety to obtain seats, several ladies allowed themselves to be dragged through the windows ot the carriages.