MOURNING TRIBES

Southland Times, Issue 25312, 15 June 1935, Page 11

MOURNING TRIBES

ASSEMBLING FOR TANGL VICTIM OF TAMAKI TRAGEDY. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, June 13. By the time the body of the halfcaste Maori girl, Mary Elizabeth Raymond, identified as the young woman found in the Tamaki river, leaves Auckland to-morrow for Tepuke, the assembly of hundreds of the mourning tribe’s people will have commenced. Arrangements were completed in Auckland to-day for the taking of the body to Tepuke where a tangi will be held. Miss Raymond was a popular figure in Tepuke, where her parents live. The mourning ceremonies proper will begin on Saturday, according to arrangements, but numbers of Maoris are expected to arrive at Tepuke to-morrow. The tangi, which will be held on the tribal marae, will continue throughout the week-end and the burial is to take place either on Monday or Tuesday. Miss Raymond was a member of the Arawa tribe. Many Arawas from throughout the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua districts will attend with their leaders to'deliver ceremonial orations. Other tribes will be represented, even from us far as Wellington. A member of the Arawa tribe said that the circumstances of the case were felt keenly by all Maoris. Mr P. Raymond, brother of the dead girl, said there was no doubt in the minds of the relatives regarding identification, although the difficulties which had confronted the police ‘n that respect were appreciated. The authorities have placed no obstacle in the way of claiming the remains, although the unusual circumstances caused by the need for a minute examination might have delayed the funeral. The post-mortem examinations by experts have been completed, but no announcement of any results has been made. An early resumption of the inquest is not anticipated and the police will continue their intensive inquiries. These are being concentrated in Auckland.