TE RATA, THE NEW ‘KING.’

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 68, 13 November 1912, Page 5

TE RATA, THE NEW ‘KING.’

SUCCESSOR TO MAHUTA.

(Per Press Association.)

Auckland, November 12. Mahuta will be succeeded at nice by his son Te Rata, a man thirty-four years of age, who is regarded with much favour by the natives generally, and admired by those who know him. He is expected to be a good leader. Te Rata has the advantage over his father of a good education, and is much more in touch with progressive. European movements. Arrangements are already in hand for investing Te Rata with due ceremony. The proceedings, which will be exactly the same as at the Coronation of Mahuta, will be carried out during the tangi as soon as the influential chiefs have gathered. Tupu Taingakawa arid To Waharoa, a son of the original king-maker, will meet Mr. Kaihau, ex M.P., who is chief adviser. They, with the assembled chiefs of the Dominion, will conduct the ceremonies. The personal estate of Mahuta is estimated approximately at £20,000. Large numbers of his native subjects have vested their lands in him in trust. They are said to be worth a further £IOO,OOO. The whole of this large property will pass with the dignity or the kingship, to Te Rata, and will bo at his disposal. The tangi, which commences to-day, will bo under the direction of Messrs. Henare Kaihau and Eketone. The latter has been instructed by Mr. Kaihau to have the body prepared to lie in state at least a. month. This is to give every native in New Zealand an opportunity to be present. It is expected that about ten thousand Maoris will visit Waahi, near Huntly, where the obsequies are being held.

A HUGE TANGI. Auckland, November 12. A huge tangi is being held at Waahi over “King” Mahuta. Natives nre arriving from all parts of the Dominion. When all the chiefs have assembled the 'question of the “Coronation” of Mahuta’s successor will be considered. Huge food supplies are required for the assembled natives.