AN IMPRESSIVE SCENE AT A FUNERAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6572, 9 December 1882, Page 6

AN IMPRESSIVE SCENE AT A FUNERAL.

♦ [VKOW OO , * OW.I CORRESPONDENT.] Kihikihi, Friday. The funeral of the late Mr. William Corboy was one of the most numerously attended which has taken place in this district. The remains of the deceased gentleman were buried iu the Rangiaohia cemetery, the funeral obsequies being conducted by the Rev. Father Luck. Before the corpse Mas carried from the house to the hearse, the large yard alongside the premises and the square in front of them was crowded with natives, who had come into Kihikihi to hold a tanpi over their late esteemed friend. Tho chief Rewi was with them, and stepping forward he requested that the deceased might not he interred till they had all seen him. The request was complied with, and Rewi himself superintended the arrangement of allowing the natives to pass in one by one, ami take a last look at the deceased before the coffin was closed up. When the ccSin was brought out of the house. Rewi said it was customary with his people to address the deceased before burial, and they had met there for that purpose. As their representative he asked to be allowed to speak for them, ami to testify to the fact that the deceased had been a good man. He had been kind to the natiTe people, and the report of his goodness had gone forth amongst the native people. Rewi then exclaimed " Farewell, oh (Jorboy ! May you go to the spirits of the just —of the good ! May you be happy in the blissful paradise is the wish of the Maori people ani myself assembled here to-day !" Large numbers of Europeans were present at this interesting ceremony. The public schools were closed for two days, and every token of respect was shown by the settlers to the memory of oue whose genial character and kindly disposition had endeared him to the residents of this district since its very earliest settlement. The deceased, who was most tenderly cared for by his wife and family during his late illneas, leaves them well aud amply prorided for.