GREAT MAORI CHIEFTAIN

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 266, 31 March 1911, Page 5

GREAT MAORI CHIEFTAIN

MONUMENT IN THE WAIRARAPA. NOTEWORTHY PROCEEDINGS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Carterton, Last Night. At Papawai to-day the unveiling ceremony oi a handsome memorial to the late chieftain Taniahau Mahupuku was celebrated. There was a huge concourse, including 2000 natives aud as many whites. The Hon. Mr. Carroll performed the act of unveiling, and the service wqs conducted by the Rev. O. H. Williams, superintendent of the Maori ministers of Wunganui, assisted by Revs. F. H. Spencer, British Bible Association, Euera Te Ngara (87 years of age), and Teri Paerata. A welcome haka was danced, 50 warriors, attended by their wahinea, taking part. This sight was easily the best performance seen, in the Wairarapa for many years, and was greatly applauded. Gathered round the foot of the handsome monument were the immediate relatives of the departed chieftain, amongst whom were Areta Mahupuku, Naata Makirika (grand-daughter), and her baby son, now chief of the Ngakahungungu, Hamuera Tamahau Kingi Niniwa, I. Te Rangi, Horiana Kingi, Edward Kingi and family, James Kingi, Rangi Kerehoma and Raukura Martini. A Maori choir sang hymns in Maori and English, and,. after the unveiling by Mr. Carroll, speeches were delivered from Aotearoa (a large house facing the road) by H. T. Whatahoro Mangakahiu, W. C. Buchanan, M.P., H. & Vardell, J. T. M. Hornsby, and the Hon. J. CaTroll, one and all paying the highest tribute to the departed chieftain. At the close of the speeches, the Ministerial party were handsomely enter tained at luncheon in the huge meeting house, and later in the afternoon speeches were made by the leading chieftains and chieftainesses. In the evening dancing and singing were carried on with great vigor till a late hour. The Hon. J. Carroll signified his intention of remaining in the district tomorrow, when he would talk over Maori wants with the chiefs. The decision was hailed with delight. To-morrow and the day following a Maori council meeting will be held, and on Monday the gathering breaks up with sports.