THE LATE HEMI MATENGA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3034, 8 May 1912, Page 53

THE LATE HEMI MATENGA.

. WAKAPUAKA, May 5.

The funeral obsequies of the late Henri Matenga (Martin), husband of Juh'a Martin (Grace Darling), were conducted this afternoon at the Native burial ground at Wakapuaka, near Peppin's Island and within a few miles of the Eastern Extension Cable Company's etation. The fact that deceased was a wellknown and noted Maori chieftain was responsible for a large-.attendance of influential Natives from JRI parts of the Dominion. For upwards of a week it was impossible to engage a vehicle from anv etable in Nelson, for funeral vehicles were numbered by hundreds at the pa, and a more significant tangi will never again be held in the Nelson district. It cost over £6OO. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. Archdeacon Grace and the Rev. Mr Bennett. Subsequently, elaborate preparations were made for the visitors, who srere sumptuously provided for. An old identity informed a Press Association representative that he was present at the wreck of the Delaware, and the deceased, as well as his wife, lent valuable assistance in life-saving; also thai on one occasion deceased crossed from Kapiti Island to Wakapuaka in an open canoe. He leaves a large and valuable estate, which is being freely discussed locally, portions being very fertile, and suggestions are being made that the Government should attempt, to acquire it foi closer settlement.