DEATH OF CHIEFTAINESS

Taranaki Daily News, 29 January 1934, Page 6

DEATH OF CHIEFTAINESS

MEMBER OF ATIAWA TRIBE MRS ROMEO BAILEY OF WAIPAPA. BIG TANGI AT MANUKORHiI PA. The biggest tangi held at Waitara since the death of Sir Maui Pomare is being held in respect of Mrs. Romeo Bailey, wife of Taitoko Bailey, and a wellknown Taranaki chieftainess, who died at her res' ence, Waipapa, on Friday night. The tangi is being held at the Manukorihi Pa. Several hundred Maoris, including many relatives, are present. Mourners have come from all parts of Taranaki and Wanganui, while numbers are expected from Nelson to-day. On Saturday and yesterday as each party arrived, characteristic welcomes were accorded and various chiefs delivered speeches of lament and farewell in which they eulogised Mrs. Bailey’s works. Mrs. Bailey, or Te Ronga Roka Pataka to give her her Maori name, was one of the most highly esteemed members of the Atiawa tribe. She had been very active in connection with pa matters and particularly in regard to communal functions, in which she took a prominent part. Mrs. Bailey’s death was somewhat sudden for she had been ailing only a fortnight. Her age was 67 years. The funeral will take place at the Waipapa cemetery to-day. Revs. Maioha and Moke will conduct the service. Mrs. Bailey is survived by her husband, eight children and a number of grandchildren. The children are Mesdames J. Eriwata, Oki Taylor and J. Manu White (Waitara), Messrs J. Bailey, Rangi Bailey (Waitara), Isaac Bailey (Wanganui), Tom Bailey and Harry Bailey (Nelson).