OBITUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3331, 16 January 1918, Page 36

OBITUARY.

MR T. R. PAR ATA, M.P. WELLINGTON, January 8. Mr Taare R. Parata, M.P. for tho South Maori District, died this morning after a week's illness; aged 53 years. Tho deceased gentleman was a son of the late Hon. T. Parata, M.L.C. He was born at Puketeraki in 1865, and was educated in Dunedin, principally at the Normal School. He entered the Native Lands Department in Wellington, and occupied a responsible position for some years, but resigned it in order to enter into business for himself as an estate agent in Wellington. He was twice elected to the House of Representatives as member for tho Southern Maori District, which his father had previously represented for many years. The first occasion was in 1911, when' he secured a narrow majority over Mr J. H. W. Uru. Mr Parata polled' 264 votes and Mr Uru 233, while four other candidates divided 313 votes between them. When he offered himself for re-election in 1914 Mr Parata secured arc absolute majority over two other' candidates, 434 votes being recorded in his favour, 196 for Mr T. M. Erihana and 162 for Mr H. Rore. Ho proved hirnself an able and energetic representative of his district. He was a member of the Native Affairs Committee, and at all times stoutly championed the cause of the Native race. He was a very popular member, and his warm and genial temperament won for him many friends in all parts of the dominion. A fortnight ago he oxpressed his intention of coming to Dunedin this week with the bowlers. A few days ago, however, his relatives here received word from him that ho would bo unable to come down, owing to a poisoned leg. Mr Parata leaves a widow (who was Miss Asher, of Tauranga) and three children—two boys and a girl-

The fatal motor accident of the 6th inst. removes from the Ehmback district a wellknown and highly-respected resident in tho person of Mr Alexander M'Lennan. The deceased gentleman was born in Rossshire 61 years ago. and was the son of a pastoral farmer. He arrived in New Zealand 37 years ago, and was for a few years in the employ of tho New Zealand and Australian Land Company. Having gained colonial experience, he engaged in pastoral • pursuits on his own account, end successfully worked and passed his hands some large properties in the Waihemo and Waitaki Counties, including the Horse Flat runs, which ho held for 12 years, when he sold out. Next he purchased the freehold of Oyhill Farm, Dunback, and the Moimt Hiehiay runs, which he held for six years, r.nd then disposed of to Mr John M'Kenzie, now of Clover Hills. Later he acquired the Mount Fortune runs, now part of Moernki Estate. At the time of his death ho held the freehold of Dunrobin and 1000 acres purchased from Mr A. I). Bell, and was lessee of tho Palmcrston endowment. The late Mr M'Lennan took a keen interest in, and was a liberal subscriber to, anything for the public good, and represented Dunback Riding in the Waihemo County. Ho was also a member of the_ Waihemo Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the

Waihemo Collie Dog Club, the growers' Association, the Gaelic Society™ and chairman of the Dunback Committee. The late Mr M'Lennan wafl married 24 years ago to the eldest daugn'teS of Mr Leishman, of Whare Flat. Much™ sympathy is felt for the bereaved wido/w and family.