THE DEATH OF REWI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9546, 25 June 1894, Page 5

THE DEATH OF REWI.

A GREAT TAN CI. [BY telegraph.—own CORRESPONDENT.] IviiJiKtiti, Saturday. The first contingent of the ;Ngatiamaniapoto to tako part in the great tamji only arrived here this afternoon from Mongorongo. They marched into the township in close columns of twelve deep, their rear being brought up by a lighter division armed with shot-guns, which they discharged at intervals along tho route until they arrived at the monument, where the old warrior is laid out. As each file carried a green branch in both hands, tho column seemed like a dense mass of moving foliage. They were received by the chief mourners with loud greetings and mournful waitings. Half an hour later some '200 Waikatos marched in from Parawera headed by King Tawhiao, bringing with them 12 waggons loaded with potatoes, pork, and corn for the feast. The Waikatos were not so profuse in tho "wearing of the green" as the first tribe, nor did they march in the same regular order, but ali the same they were received by Rowi's people with cordial greetings, loud pathetic chants, and longcontinued cries. It is expected that all tho tribe-; and followers who are to take part in the t'.vvji will not bo able to reach here sooner than Tuesday. On Saturday Mr. Seymour George received the following telegram from tho Premier in reply to his own announcing the death of Rewi : — "S. Thorne George, Esq.,, Auckland. So tho old Mauri chief and warrior has been gathered to his forefathers. I have ordered that volleys may bj tired, and that due homage be paid to the memory of tho illustrious chief Ken i."