FUNERAL OF A NATIVE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143783, 6 May 1912, Page 2

FUNERAL OF A NATIVE.

LARGELY-ATTENDED TANGI. Per Press Association WAKAPUAKA, May 6. The funeral obsequies of the late Hemi Matenga (Martin), husband of Julia Martin, the Grace Darling of New Zealand were conducted this afternoon at the Native burial ground, Wakapuaka, near - Peppin’s Island, and within a few miles of the Eastern Extension cable station. The deceased 1 being a well-known and noted Maori chieftain was responsible for a large attendance of influential Natives from all parts of the Dominion. For upwards of a week it was impossible to engage a vehicle from any stable in Nelson for the funeral. The vehicles were numbered in hundreds at tho pa, and for significance the tangi will never again be equalled in the Nelson district. It will cost over £6OO. The burial service was conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon. Grace and the Rev. Mr. Bennett. Subsequently elaborate preparations were made for entertaining the visitors, who were sumptuously provided for. An old identity informs a Press Association representative that he waa present at tne wreck of tho Delaware, and tho deceased, as well as his wife, lent valuable assistance in life-saving; also' that on one, occasion he crossed from Knpiti Island to Wakapuaka in an open canoe. The deceased leave%a large and valuable estate, the disposal of which is being freely discussed locally, portions being very fertile. Suggestions are being made that the Government should attempt to acquire the estate for closer settlement.