A MAORI FUNERAL.

Otago Witness, 5 December 1900, Page 52

A MAORI FUNERAL.

On Wednesday, the 21st inst., in the little churchyard of the Maori Kaik, Moeraki, a gathering of Natives and Europeans assembled to pay the last tokens of respect to the memory of Herbert Kakiraki, who died at the age of 29 years, after a short, but painful illness, on the 17th inst. The attendance of many friends from a distance was prevented through unforeseen circumstances, but all the leading Maoris of the Kaik were enabled to be present. Among the mourners were Miss Culling, Messrs W. Pukuku, J. D. Mamaru, J. P. Thomas, T. Parata, M.H.R., Mrs Clifford (sister of deceased), H. Kakiraki (uncle of the deceased), Meitapere, Hartini, H. Rehu, W. Porete, H. Whailiri, W. Weka, W. Rehu, T. Poko, H. Manumanu, G. Munro, H. P. Tipa, P. Porete, P. Tipene, C. Harding, A. Sutherwood, R. Rivers, E. de Loitte, J. Reynolds, and many other sympathisers. The Rev. J. P. Tipa's long illness debarred him from following the procession. The deceased was the grandson of Haimona, the late influential chief of Port Molyneux, who died about five years ago. The Rev. Mr Davis conducted the funeral service, which was very impressive throughout, and was listened to with marked attention by old and young. The sacred song, " Christian, good night," from Sankey's book, was then very effectively rendered by a few relatives, after which the service closed with the benediction. — [Conlributedj