Maori Centenarian Passes

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7196, 30 June 1933, Page 6

Maori Centenarian Passes

MERI PUKAIHUA, AGED 104 LINK WITH EARLY RANGITIKEI SEVERED From Our Own Correspondent. One of tho most picturesquo and easily the oldest Maori in Rangitikoi, Mori Pukaihua, died at the Parewanui pa on Monday, at the age of some 104 years. Tho deceased was a typical member of tho old school Maoris, and in her eighty years’ residence in Parewanui, the seat of the Ngatiapas, she bore an honoured namo among both Maori and pakcha for she was a most capable and kind-hearted woman, giving many years of faithful service in the household of the famous Utiku Marumaru, his son Trau and in turn the latter’s son, H. T. W. Marumaru. Tho first two generations of this honourable Maori family have long since died, but there are many who still remember Utiku Marumaru in the hoy day of his life as a Maori Chieftain and as a sportsman whose racing stable was famous tho length and breadth of the country. It was on March 10, 1849, that the late Donald McLean completed the purchase of tho Rangitikei block, and at this time Meri Pukaihua (or “A-rnary” as she was more popularly known) was a young widow, tho namo of her husband being at the timo of writing unknown. She married again a half-caste Maori (believed to bo the son of an old missionary) and thero wore, it is understood, three children of this marriago, one of whom, Mrs. J. Martin, Tesidos now in Bulls. Unfortunately none of those living in the district to-day can remember the old lady’s childhood, but it is a certainty that she must have lived through some stirring times. She was buried at tho Marumaru private cemetery on Wednesday by Rev. Renata, of Marton.