TANGI AT WAAHI

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume XV, 9 August 1929, Page 2

TANGI AT WAAHI

“CHIEFTAINESS OF TUM I CANOE.” WIFE OF “KING” MAHUTA DEAD To Marae Mahuta, mother of the present King: Rata Mahuta, who died on Sunday, had attained the age of 65 years and was the widow of the late King Mahuta, M.L.C., a farfamed native, loyal to his race and an unswerving loyalist to the English Crown. Better known to the older generation of Maoris as Nga Neko Amukete and a daughter of that fighting chief Amukete (a worthy foeman of the early days) the “chieftainess of the Tainui Canoe” as was her rightful name, Te Marae wielded her influence for all that was uplifting in the Maori race. For 16 years since her consort’s death her sound advice, wise judgment, ahd prudent economy have been manifest in the actions of her son, King Rata of Waahi, who, as an ardent peacemaker has such great influence with the Waikato natives today. Mourners have arrived for the tangi from all parts of the country. Sir Apirana Ngata, Sir Maui Pomare, and other leading chiefs from Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Wairarapa, Taupo, and the King Country are expected. Mr. A. Ormsby, Native Health Inspector, has arrived and upon him will devolve the major portion of completing the sanitary and other arrangements in connection with the huge influx of visiting natives this week. Mr. Ormsby’s work in connection with the opening of the model hostel at Ngrauawahia, which Princess Te Puea founded, is well-known, and the Government is to be commended for dispatching this officer to the scene promptly, as his organising capabilities are well known. The bulk of the fish diet will come from Raglan and Kawhia districts. Already lorries have arrived with tons of every kind of fish caught since the news of the death was spread.