TANGI HELD

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22554, 12 April 1943, Page 4

TANGI HELD

Late Hon. P. K. Paikea

Tributes Paid To His Work

(N.Z.P.A.') AUCKLAND. Apr. 11. A large number of Maoris, representing all the tribes of the Dominion, assembled at Orakei to-day to participate in the tangi over the death of the Hon. P. K. Paikea, Minister in charge of the Maori War Effort. The body of the deceased was brought from Ngaruawahia to Auckland by train. At the station a party from Orakei carried out the traditional ceremonial. The cortege moved to Orakei, where the casket was placed in an open-sided marquee. Above it hung photographs and printed scrolls. Wreaths were placed around the casket and throughout the day wahines sat around the tent mourning, often with tears, the passing of the Minister.

The Government was represented by the Prime Minister 1 the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser), the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, Minister in Charge of Native Affairs, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Supply, the Hon. P. C. Webb. Minister of Mines, and the Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer, Minister of Health. Tributes to the memory of Mr Paikea and to his work as a Minister were paid by the Prime Minister, Mr Mason and Mr Sullivan. Mr M. Moohan, secretary of the New Zealand Labour Party, also spoke. Sir Apirana Ngata spoke on behalf of the East Coast people, Mr Tuiri Tanoha on behalf of those of Hawke’s Bay and Mr E. T. Tirikatene, M.P. on behalf of the South Island Maoris.

The body will be taken to Otamatea for burial.