THE BURIAL OF REWI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2106, 5 July 1894, Page 23

THE BURIAL OF REWI.

Auckland, July 3.

Particulars from Kihikihi, Waikato, regarding the interment of Rewi Manga Maniapoto, the celebrated Native chief, show there was a very large attendance of Maoris and pakehas at the funeral of the deceased warrior. The funeral service was read at the foot of Rewi's monument by the Rev. Hauraki Paul, the Maori Wesleyan minister, who had just arrived from Auckland. As the remains were lowered into the grave volleys of blank cartridges were fired over the grave by the Ngatimaniapoto tribe. When tha grave was being filled in the Natives threw in on top of the coffin all the old chief's belongings, in accordance with Native custom. Clothes, mats, rugs, shawls, carpets, and umbrellas were thrown into the grave, and as each succeeding layer of earth was thrown in it was stamped down hard by a number of stalwart Maoris. The coffin was buried Bft deep at the foot of Rewi's monument, so that Bhould any attempt be made by opposing Native hapus to take away the body they would find it difficult to unearth it. Amongst those present at the funeral were Mr G. T. Wilkinson (Native agent at Otorahanga), Mr Seymour George (Auckland), and Major Kipa (Kemp), from Wanganui.