DEATH OF A RANGATIRA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 37

DEATH OF A RANGATIRA.

Another old identity amongst the Maoris has joined the great majority in the person ot Herewini Ira, better known as "Old Eli, of Moeraki," at the age of 81 years. Ho was a ranga/tira. of high descent, being a membe; of the great Tuahuriri tnbe. He was born in the island of Pipit ea, and his whole life, with short intermissions, was spent at Moeraki. where, at the residence of Mrs Wi Karihana (his daughter), he passed 1 away at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 29th ult. The deceased Native had been a cripple for a number of years, but in epite of his infirmity he always had a cheery "Tenakoe" for Maoris and pakehas alike, and there are many who will be sorry to hear of his death. The interment took place on Sunday, and was attended by a large number of persons, from pakehas from the surrounding district to Maoris from all the kaikas of the Sotith Island, while the North Island / was also represented. Amongst the visitors were Messrs T. Parata. M.P?> J. Kahu, H. Maire, T. Weteri, R. Taiaroa, T. Apes, Hoani Maaka, J. Matthews, and many whose names I could not gather. A tangi was he'd, and an army of willing workers were kept busily employed cooking for the large number of Natives who were present. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. H. Davis, of Hampden.