ROTORUA NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9187, 17 October 1888, Page 6

ROTORUA NEWS.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] PvOTorca, Tuesday. The remain of the late Major Wood were interred yesterday with great ceremony. The Rev. ill , . Spencer, Dr. Uinders, and a few residents proceeded to Rotoiti, and were met at a, suitable spot, chosen by a number of native chiefs, who, on the party landing from the canoes, fired a volley and indulged in a sort of a war-dance. The spot chosen for the Major.s last resting-place is picturesque in the extreme, and adjoining the Peak close to Te Waata's tomb, called Atuarereatu. Here the body was rested, and it must have been brought with considerable difficulty as the Europeans present found it hard work'to scramble up. Mr. Spencer then read the burial service, after which the caieis, in the midst of their lamentations, fired two volleys over the grave. Thus ended a scene unequalled, I believe, in the annals of New Zealand history, and one which may probably never happen again. After all this imposing ceremony had been pone through, Mr. Spencer was asked to unite in holy bonds of matrimony a young dusky couple, a pleasing finish to such a day's work. Some little amusement was created by the large curtain ring (no other being available) continually slipping off the bride's finger. However, in spite of this little difficulty, Mr. Spencer succeeded in going through with the ceremony in a very satisfactory manner. The Rotoiti natives are agitating for the erection of a handsome stone structure on the spot which will in future mark the rest-ing-place of the late respected Major Wood. A rather alarming occurrence took place yesterday afternoon on the beach below Lako House. A young man was parading the shallow part of the Beach, driving a noise and buggy by way of cleaning both, when suddenly all disappeared except the lad, who managed to struggle ashore. A large deep ngawha hole exists at this spot, dangerous in tlie extreme. It was in this hole, about four years ago, that a gentleman's valet as suddenly went down and was drowned. Sir. Edwards was soou on the spot with grappling irons and a rope, and it was not long before he got a hold, and with the assistance of others nianaged successfully to dray horse (dead) and buggy ashore.