MAORI FAMILY HONOURED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18996, 18 April 1925, Page 10

MAORI FAMILY HONOURED.

TE PUKA PA MEMORIAL. LARGE NATIVE GATHERING. [Be TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] TAUMARUNTO, Friday. | There was a large gathering of natives at Te Puka Pa, overlooking Taumarunui. j yiesterday, for the unveiling of _the memorial stone to tlie late Te Mahuni Te Rauroha, who was the last male descendant of an ancient and prominent Maori family, which traced its descent through many generations. Te Mahuni was the first husband of Kahutopuni Ngatai, foster - daughter of Princess Ivahtitapuni Waata. The absence of Sir Mani Pomare, who was to have unveiled the memorial and also deliver a policy speech in connection with the Western Maori district seat, caused much disappointment. About 27 tribes were present and the visitors were greeted in warlike stylo by a large party of local Kahutopuni Ngatai, widow of Te Mahuni, was present. ' The unveiling ceremony was performed by Piupiu Te VVherowhero, cousin of To. Rata Mahuta, the Maori ''King.'' In addition to the unveiling of the monument, a cottage' was opened for 1 the use of Te Rata Mahuta on his visits to Te Puka pa. The monument, which had been heavily draped in Majri mats, is of granite, and the inscription translated reads"ln loving memory of Te Mahuni, son of Tukumata Parata and Waikura To Awhitu. Born April 12, 1877; died May 22, 1921. Thfc names of the first seven canoes which landed in New Zealand are inscribed upon the monument. After'the official ceremony had been performed, the gathering adjourned to the big meeting house, where an elaborate repast had been laid out. The latter ceremony took nearly three hours to complete, and a native band played each sitting in to the tables. A large number of visitors was present.