AGED MAORI’S DEATH

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1934, Page 11

AGED MAORI’S DEATH

ONE OF THE GREAT CHIEFS. BIG TANGI HELD .AT TE KUITI. Te Kuiti. N<3v. 27. The funeral took place yesterday of Hotutaua Pukuhatu, one of the Ngatimaniapoto tribe and one of the last of the great Maori chiefs. Pakuhatu, who was 93 years of age, had been connected with King Country affairs affecting the native race, both before and since the coming of the pakeha into the district. He was closely associated with the Maori “king” movement since its inception and had supported no less than five generations of the line. His influence was so great that the “king” as far back as “king” Tawhiao came to depend on him to a large extent on matters concerning the native race. . .

One of the largest tangis at Te Kuiti for some years was held at, the pa after Pakuhatu’s death. On Sunday “king” Karoki, with about a hundred followers journeyed from Kawhia, where he had ' attended the Methodist centenary celebrations. He was accompanied by Princess Te Puea and the Rev. J. A. Seamer, superintendent of the Methodist Maori Mission, together with other native ministers. Mr. Seamer had been invited to conduct the burial services, Mr. Taite Te Tomo, M.P., was also present. Yesterday a lengthy discussion ensued as to where the chief’s body should be interred. Princess Te Puea suggested that the body should be committed to the royal cemetery near Taupiri, but eventually the assemblage decided upon the Uira cemetery which is near Pakuhatu’s old home.