A ROYAL TANGI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 10465, 1 October 1894, Page 3

A ROYAL TANGI .

AUCKLAND, Sept. 21. The tangi on Tawhiao at Taupiri is the largest Native gathering since the great meeting at Kapu in 1879. Fully three thousand Natives of all ages, women and men, are assembled. Large sheds are erected for the visiting Maoris, and_ three or four hundred tents are pitched in the enclosure. The Maoris are most orderly, and there is no drunkenness whatever, Tho native policeman keep order, and fines are exacted for breaches of the rules. Twentysix tribes’ representatives from all parts of the island arrived in great force with Tawhiao’s body. A particular form of welcome, or ngere, was devised for the occasion and had been assiduously practised for some time previously. Large numbers of Europeans had gathered at Taupiri, anxious to witness the unique sight, but were not allowed to enter the large paddock where the demonstrations were carried on. In the centre of the paddock a flagstaff was erected, and flying from it at half-mast was a long black flag, which had figured in the memorable fight at Rangiriri. This flag has since been in the possession of a relative of Tawhiao’s living in tho Wellington province, together with an oil painting of Tawhiao. On Tawhiao’s portrait being uncovered, a hum ran through the crowd of Natives as if from one man, and waa sustained for some time with splendid effect. The scene at the reception of Tawhiao’s body was impressive. The firing party on each side consisted of three hundred men. Volleys were fired at frequent intervals, and dynamite was exploded round the burying-place. A cortdge composed of over nine hundred men and women, was welcomed by tho Waikatoa with song and dance, the noise of which could he heard for miles. Whitiora, a famous Waikato chief, cousin of Tawhiao, formally welcomed the Ngatimaniapoto and other tribes. A tangi then took place, followed by songs of lamentation and welcome. An immense quantity of food is stored here for the Natives. There are over twenty tons of flour and many tons of potatoes. The tangi will last till the food gives out. To-day’s proceedings hinged upon the arrival of Major Kemp and others. They were welcomed by the Waikatos in real Native style. A large body of Natives, with nothing hut a loin covering on, was drawn up ready to receive them. The band then proceeded to the head of the procession with the coffin. The hand played the “ Dead March,” and those following the coffin -firing off volleys of blank cartridges. The remaining party met the coffin at the entrance to the paddock, and escorted it to the foot of the flagstaff, volleys being fired the whole time. After the coffin had been deposited, the whole mass of Native men and women crouched down, and began a low monotonous wail, which was kept up for a considerable time.

The proceedings wore eagerly witnessed by a large crowd of Europeans, and were certainly weird and impressive, the gunfiring excepted. The Natives were all decorated with greenery, their emblem of mourning. Tawhiao’s widow accompanied the bearers of the corpse, and was evidently an object of deep commiseration. Sept. 24.

A special train, with five hundred Auckland citizens, left for Taupiri, this morning, to attend the tangi in connection with Tawhiao’s death. A number of Waikato settlers also attended, nearly one thousand Europeans being present. The European party was received with a welcome. Fusillades were fired by two hundred armed men, who opened out, and the Europeans advanced to a tent where the bier was placed. Speeches of condolence were deliversd on behalf of the Europeans by Mr J. Mackay, the Rev Mr Gittos, Mr G. S. Graham and Mr W. A. Graham. Major Te Wbiroro responded. Hoani Taipua sang a welcome. The new king, Malmta, greeted all. He said, “Let prosperity reign with ail Europeans. Also, let us insist on peace and quietness. You have expressed a sentiment of love which cannot go wrong. Let prosperity remain with all, both Europeans and Natives.” The king received a number of leading Europeans. Refreshments were provided for a thousand European visitors. Hakes and war dances were performed. Among those present wore Sir Henry Ogle, Bart., H.M.S. Rapid, and General Sir Mark and Lady Walker.