OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17940, 20 May 1920, Page 9

OBITUARY

MR RANIERA ERIHANA. Raniora Erihana (or more commonly known to his European friends as Daniel Ellison) died at hie residence at Otakou on Sunday last at the age of 81 years. Ho' was the youngest son of the late Captain Thomas Kll' a " n , who married a ohieftainess of the Ngatiawa, Taranaki, and Ngatitoa tribes of the North Island. When the gold rush broko out in Otago in the year 1861 he, with other Maoris, camo south in search of the precious metaL Some of those who know the history of the rush assert that it was Mr Ellison who found the spot known as the Maori. Point through a mere accident, through the dog belonging to the j,arty having fallen into the ' river, which lva* in flood. The animal was swpt downstream and landed on the opposite side, ind at the Natives relied nhitfly on the woodhen (-weka) for their food, the recovery of tne dog was m-jst necessary. Mr< Ellison, being an expert swimmer, dooided to swim across, much against the adrice of his companions. With sheath knife in hand, he reached the other side in safety. On going to the point be saw in the crevices of the rocks the traces of gold, which he commenced to scoop into his billy. He -called out to his mates, who later swam across the river and pitched camp. After they had got enough, as they thought, they struck camp and made for home. At this v time, about the years 1860-61, sections in George street were selling for £20 each. Hβ is known to have been a good whaler and a strong swimmer. He, on several occasions, when a member of the crew of the Taiaroa Heads pilot boat, saved many lives from drowning. He has left behind him four sons. A large party of Natives from the North Island are journeying south to attend the funeral.