TANGI AT HUNTLY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 734, 6 August 1929, Page 9

TANGI AT HUNTLY

“CHIFTAINESS OF TAINUI CANOE” RANGITIRAS TO ATTEND (From Our Own Correspondent) HUNTLY, Monday. To Marae Mahuta, mother of the present King Rata Mahuta, who died on Sunday, had attained the age of 65 years and was the widow of the late King Mahuta, M.L.C., a far-famed native, loyal to his race and an unswerving loyalist to the English Crown. Better known to the older generation of Maoris as Nga Neko Amukete and a daughter of that great fighting chief Amukete (a worthy foeman of the early historic days) the “chieftainess of the Tainui Canoe” as was her rightful name, Te Marae wielded her influence for all that was uplifting in the Maori race. For 16 years since her consort’s death her sound advice, wise judgment, and prudent economy have been manifest in the actions of her son, King Rata of Waahi, who, ajs an ardent peacemaker has such great influence with the Waikato natives today. At Huntly the word is heard from all Maori tongues “The big Totara has fallen.” Already the mourners have started to arrive for the tangi and the rungatiras have signified their intention of paying homage to Te Marae. Sir Apirana IVgrata. Sir Maui Pomare, and other leading chiefs from Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Wairarapa, Taupo, King Country are expected, and the parking space required for motors will be large enough to accommodate all the motors licensed in Auckland City. The bulk of the fish diet will come from Raglan and Kawhia. districts. Already lorries have arrived with tons of every kind of fish caught since the news of the death was spread. Mx*. A. Ormsby, Native Health Inspector, has arrived and upon him will devolve the major portion of completing the sanitary and other arrangements in connection with the huge influx of visiting natives this week. Mr. Ormsby’s work in connection with the opening of the model hostel at Ngaruawahia, which Princess Te Puea founded, is well-known, and the Government is to be commended for dispatching this officer to the scene promptly, as his organising capabilities are well known. Te Marae leaves four sons. Rata (the present King), Turaate, Tonga, and Rau Mahuta, but there are no daughters. The mourning in the Lower Waikato is general, and it is many a year since such manifest expressions of sympathy have been expressed. Pakeha and Maori alike share in the sadness of the passing of a good and noble woman, a credit to her race and a striking object lesson for her successors.