CREMATION BY MAORIS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7853, 22 April 1887, Page 2

CREMATION BY MAORIS.

(Per United Press Association.)

WEixiNflTOK, April 21,

Wiremu Katene, an important chief of the Ngaputu tribe, telegraphs from Parnt>ll, dated the 18th, complaining that the evil arising from the prophesying of Ani Earori is increasing, and that the Natives have burnt the bodies of their dead in fires. He objects to this, and states that the chiefs of the Ngaputu are considering the objectionable practice which has alreadytaken placeat Ngaputuaid Oramara. He asks for the opiuiou of the Government. The Native Minister, in replying, expressed his regret that the innovation should disturb the mind of the local Natives, but points out that the innovation is carried oat iv Europe and is tolerated by Europeans "who adhered to old customs. He suggested that the Nat ives should take no notice ! of the oremations; and the practice will soon die ! out. Katene wired yesterday that th« Minister apparently did not understand the facts. The motive was that the body should be burnt as a sacrifice to their god, and even if their gg^w^ere to order them to eat their dtad they ww do it. He considers it a mos-t dreadful act. Mr Ballanceuow advises the chiefs to call all their people together to discuss the matter, so as to create a public feeling, and, if possible, to buttl« the woman out of the distiiot,