FUNERAL OF IRAKARA TUKUMARU.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 42, 25 January 1881, Page 2

FUNERAL OF IRAKARA TUKUMARU.

The mortal remains of the aijwte chief were consigned to their last resting place j'esfcerday afternoon. Iv answer to the telegram requesting permission for the interment to take place in the old cemetery, a reply was received from the Government that as the ground was the deceased's own property, there was no power to prevent the interment there. Accordingly a grave was dug iv that cemetery yesterday, and the interment was proceeded with. At three o'clock the coffin was conveyed across the river, and home to the grave on four poles, carried by about fifteen men of the tribe In addition to the large number of natives from tho other side of the river who followed, the procession was joined by most of the white people of Foxton, including Eev. J. Duncan, Messrs Robinson, Cook, Gray, Stewart.C. Symons, Nye, and others. Altogether, about 150 people followed the remains of the esteemed old chief to the grave. All the shops were closed and blinds drawn as the funeral cortege passed down the street. A few yards outside the cemetery, the procession was met by the Eev. E. Wanui, who conducted the biuijl proceedings throughout, the responses all being given in the most devout manner by the natives round the grave. As soon as the Uirial service had been read, the grave was filled in; and the people quietly dispersed. Although all the women competed with the hhjpn were covered with greet* tbougliß,^^ there was no wailing or crying, and no outward demonstration of grief of any kind was made.