FUNERAL OF MAORI LEADER

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 253, 25 September 1939, Page 2

FUNERAL OF MAORI LEADER

LATE AIR T. AY. RATANA. WANGANUI, Sept. 24. Solemn scenes marked the funeral of Air T. AV. Ratana, the Alaori leader, which took place at Ratana this afternoon. He was buried in front of the temple. There was an attendance of 8000, the majority being Alaoris. Among those present were the Act-ing-Prime Minister (Hon. P., Fraser); the Minister of Labour (Hon. P. C. AVebb); the Minister of Native Affairs (Hon. F. Langstone); Sir Apirana Ngata, Alessrs Lowry, Poison, O’Brien, Frost, Cotterill, Gordon, Paikea. Tirikatene, Moncur and Ratana, members of Parliament, and the Alayor of AVanganui (Air AV. J. Rogers). Mr Fraser .read a message of sympathy from Mr Savage expressing regret at being unable to attend the funeral and. paying a tribute to Mr Ratana’s work for the Alaori people. Mr Fraser associated himself with Air Savage’s tribute. Mr Tirikatene, for the Maori people, thanked Mr Savage for his message and ALr Fraser for his tributes. The Alaoris greatly appreciated the presence of so many members of Cabinet and Parliament, Air Tirikatene said. He was deeply moved by the large attendance of pakehas. The Rev. A. J. Seamier conducted the service at the residence, arid Rev. Reweti te AVliena that at the (graveside. The service at the temple was very impressive. Before it ended Air H. T. Ratana, son of the dead leader, paid a tribute to his father’s memory and life work. Two Alaori l>a"ds played music for the hvmns. The question of a leader for the Rntana movement will be discussed this week.