DEATH OF MAORI CHIEF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20116, 29 November 1928, Page 10

DEATH OF MAORI CHIEF.

PIONEER IN DAIRYING.

NOTED FOR HOSPITALITY. [BY telegraph.— own correspondent.] DARGAVILLE, Wednesday. The death has occurred of another of the fine old Maori chiefs, Ilaimona Piraka Ngai, aged 75, ono of tho paramount chiefs of tho Ngatiwhatua tribe. He was a descendant, of tho great Maori giant and warrior, "Kawhaiu" and Piraka Ngai, tho champion Maori marksman of tho Kaipara district, who, oil ono occasion, avenged tho death of Hongi Hika at Waiwhatawhata (Ilokianga). Deceased was a nephew of Paroro Tc Awha. Haimona Piraka was a man of powerful physique and in his younger days was a great athlete and warrior. Ho was formerly a member of the Wcsleyan Church, and was a great Christian worker. Ho was responsible for tho visit of Ratana to this district and advised his people to become members of tljo Ratana Church. However, it was his last wish that in fairness to tho .other religious bodies, his family should consent to his burial under the Wesleyan rites. Tho chief, in conjunction with Farore, owned several properties in this district and was tho first Maori to take up cattle and sheep-rearing arid dairy farming. It was his ambition to farm nil his lands and leavo good assets to his children. liis creed was "goodfellowship and hospitality," and his home was always open to both European and Maori. He was particularly well known for his kindness to all. Deceased is survived by a widow and fivo children.