HEMI MATENGA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXII, 6 May 1912, Page 8

HEMI MATENGA.

A MAORI FUNERAL

BY TBLEGBAPB—PBESB ARROCIATIOfI

WAKAPUAKA, May 5. Tlie funeral obsequies of the late Hemi -Matenga (Martin), husband of Julia Martin, the Grace Darling of New Zealand, were conducted this aftevnoon at the native burial ground, Wakapnaka, near Peppin's Island, and within a few miles of the Eastern Extension cable station. The deceased being a wellknown and noted Maori chieftain, was responsible for a large attendance of inthiontinl natives from all parts of the dominion. For upwards of a week.it was imnossible to engage a vehicle from any stable in Nelson for the funeral. The vehicles were numbered in hundreds at the pa, and for significance the tangi will never again be equalled in the Nelson district. It will cost over £600. The burial service was conducted by the Yen. Archdeacon Grace and the Rev. Mr Ben.rett. Subsequently elaborate preparations were made for entertaining thr> visitors, who Aye re sumotuously provided for.

An old identity informs a Press Association representative that he was preset at the wreck of the Delaware, and the deceased, as well as his wife, lent valuable assistance in life-saving; also i]yvt_ on one occasion he crossed from J^apiti Island to Wakapuaka in an open canoe.

The deceased leavp.s a large and valuable estate, which is being freely dismissed locally, portions being very fertile. Suggestions are being made that the Government should att.ernnt to acquire the estate for closer settlement.