TOLAGA BAY NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18036, 13 March 1933, Page 10

TOLAGA BAY NEWS

(Herald Correspondent.)

On Saturday morning there passed away at the Ifauiti pa one of the oldest native-born identities on the Coast, Tamahipa Te Ao (Dad Thompson), who had reached his ninety-fifth year. Born in Gisborne, lie was during the uprising the right-hand man of Te lvooti and fought both at Wae.renga-a-hika and at Ngatapa. Soon after this he came to Tolaga Bay, where he married Repel;a Awatea, of the Ngatipaoa tribe, Auckland. Of their eight children only two survive, Mr. G. Thompson, of Mangulieia, and Mrs. D. Tamararo, Whangara. There are 14 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. 'The late Mr. Thompson was a fluent speaker and his tales of Maori fact and fiction were eagerly listened to by Maori and pakeha The interment took place at the Ifauiti cemetery on Sunday, when there was a large attendance of relatives and friends. On Thursday night the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Moore, Taharangi, was invaded by a surprise party of about 80 young people all on pleasure bout. The dining-room was cleared for dancing, which was continued on the spacious verandahs, and in the drawing-room were those who were keen on bridge. During intervals between 1 dances competitions were indulged in, the prizes going to Mrs. Blake and'Miss Maddocß. Songe were contributed by Miss 11. Moore and Mr. R. Moore, whilst Mr. R. Lincoln led the 'community singing. The music was played by Mesdames Lincoln and M. Oolebrook (Te Araroa). A delightful supper was supplied by the visitors who were responsible for' the party. At the conclusion of the evening musical honors were accorded to Mr. and Mrs. Moore, who were thanked for their kindness to the many visitors. ,