DEATH OF TE PUKE TE AC. M.H.R.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7782, 30 October 1886, Page 4

DEATH OF TE PUKE TE AC. M.H.R.

[by TELEGRAPH —PRESS 48SOCUUOS,]

Wellington, Friday. Tk Poke te Ao, M.H.R. for the Western Maori district, died at Otaki yesterday eraing. He has been ailing for some time, Hii age waa about 53 years. Henare Kaihau, a relative of Tawbiao, and George Brown (half-caste), lately in the Native Office it Auckland, are mentioned as probable candidates for the vacant seat*

Our Wellington correspondent writes " Death is said to have been cawed by blood poisoning, the result of a thorn sticking in bis finger. He was a good working member of Parliament, constant in hi) attendance al committees, watchful for the interests of his race affable, generous, andimpulsive, He was a fine model of the human figure. Ho was one of Te Whiti's bail, tie gara the Government a. general ' support, and voted with them in all no-confidence motions, though in other things he was frequently to be found going into the lobby with the Opposition, Although an important man in his tribe, he has never distinguished himself much either amongst his people or in Parliament. To Ao was about 52 years of age, Two men, possibly three, are likely to contest the seat now rendered vacant- One of these is Henare Kaihau, the private secretary of Tawhiao, who would probably represent Tawhiao's views, if returned. Another is George Brown, a balf-caste of considerable ability and high character. The possible third is said to be Te Wheoro, bat it is considered doubtful if he will stand, as ne is reported to have made himself somewhat unpopular owing to the attitude he has taken up in regard to the sitting of the Land Court." Death has indeed ' been busy among the members of the General Assembly since list session. In the Upper Home there have been three deaths: The Hon. Mr. Henderson, the Hon. Mr. Brandon, and the Hon. Mr. Bathgate; in the Lower House, Messrs. Hurst, Bradshaw, and Te Ao.