MAORI WOMAN'S DEATH.
REPUTED AGE OF 100 YEARS.
GREAT STORE OF KNOWLEDGE*
[Bt TELEGRAPH.—OW>; CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday.
A Maori woman who was at least 100 years old, Melii Unmcka, lias died at Pungarehu. She was the eldest child of an influential Ngati-Awa chief, Rnmeka to Amai. He lived at Mahoetai pa. where there was a grim baltle between Europeans and Maoris CO yen.; ago. The old woman had a remarkable knowledge of eels. She could repeat the correct incantations necessary for capturing eels, and was able to distinguish eight or nine species, giving in detail Ihe story of each species and judging the time to fish for each kind. Mcbi Ramcka knew many chants, forgotten by the Maoris of to-day, for planting crops and for sea and river fishing expeditions. Her husband, Inia to Ngongohau, some tinio ago yielded - his trusteeship of the old Maori stronghold, Tapu Nikau pa. The ancient village is on tho coastal district, inland from Warea on the Ikaparua River. It has been vested in the Crown for all time. Many Maoris have assembled for the langi.
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20622, 22 July 1930, Page 10
Word Count
182MAORI WOMAN'S DEATH. New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20622, 22 July 1930, Page 10
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