MAORIS AND CREMATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18614, 9 July 1930, Page 8

MAORIS AND CREMATION.

SIR MAUI POMARE'S REMAINS. MR COATES INTERCEDES. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, July 8. “It is my opinion that the authorities insisted upon the cremation ot Sir Maui Pomares remains, and that Lady Pomare had tittle option in the matter,” stated the Hon. J .G. Coates, leader of the Opposition, in an Interview to-niglit. Mr Coates has written as follows to the Alcarana Maori Association, and to several of the West Coast tribes who had telegraphed him on the matter:— “The sentiments expressed by you and supported by those present the other day, as reported in the Press, are understood by me, but the following may help to clear matters. The following' cablegram received from Lady Pomare, dated July Ist, and received by me on July 4th read: ‘Maul died suddenly, Friday 3 p.m. Service Saturday. Cremated. Arranging bring ashes, back.’ The foregoing suggests that Lady Pomare had but little option. The authorities have either Insisted, or she had no power to return the remains in any other than their present fora). Sir Maui died on June 27th, and the news was received in New Zealand at 5 p.m. on the 28th. I cabled Lady Pomare asking her, on behalf of tee family, the Maori people, and our Party, that Sir Maui’s body be returned to New Zealand. You will realise that my cables did not reach their destination until sometime after the ceremony. I ask you to consider all the circumstances and to make the burden as light as you can for our sister. Lady Pomare."