SIR MAUI POMARE’S FUNERAL

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1930, Page 11

SIR MAUI POMARE’S FUNERAL

ARRIVAL OF ASHES TO-DAY. REGULATION OF THE TRAFFIC. There were over 700 Maoris in residence at the Manukorihi pa yesterday, parties from the Waikato, Waitotara and Wanganui districte arriving during the day in order to pay their last respects to their late leader, Sir Maui Pomare, whose ashes will arrive from Waikanae by a special train reaching Waitara at 7.39 this morning. Additional parties were expected at the pa last evening from Rotorua and Auckland.

A telegram was received by the pa authorities last evening from Sir Apirana Ngata stating that all the Cabinet Ministers, 21 members. of Parliament and ten ladies would comprise the official party arriving by the special train. In addition to these people Wiremu Patae, Henare Run, Captain Pitt, Koni Teua, T. Mitchell and M. D. Bennett, prominent East Coast Maoris, would be on the train. Sixty Maoris from five Rotorua tribes and 40 Wanganui Maoris were also on the train.

Two late arrivals yesterday were Misses Nelson, who are to represent their father, the Hon. O. F. Nelson, once of Samoa, at the ceremonies. The pa authorities now believe that the funeral will take place on Sunday as they have had intimation that the special train to convey the Parliamentary party back to Wellington will not leave until Monday. The matter cannot be settled with any certainty until the arrival of the train this morning. The motor vehicles of visitors to the pa. to-day. tq-morrow and Sunday will be directed to . parking areas in byroads outside the gates by Maori police and inspectors who can be distinguished by their scarlet armlets. Only the cars of Maoris will be permitted to enter tho gates, and these must be driven to the rear of the buildings by way of a specially metalled road on the left.

A first-aid tent under the control of Miss Heath,' of the Church of England Mission, has been erected to deal with any mishaps.