RANGITIRA PASSES.

Thames Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 18402, 27 January 1932, Page 2

RANGITIRA PASSES.

T DEATH OF MR. T. MURRAY. NATIVE ASSESSOR, Well-known and respected by both Pakeha and Maori throughout the Auckland province, Mr Thomas Murray (Mare Teretiu) died at Kirikiri on Monday last. Born at Kirikiri in January, 1859, and educated at the public school, he later became assessor to the Native Land Court, and travelled throughout the length and breadth of the Auckland province with many Judges of the Native Land Court. He was the paramount rangitira of the Ngatimaru tribe, and could trace his descent right back to the founder of the tribe, being a direct deseen-. dant of Rautao, the notable fighting chief of the early days. His ancestors were the first natives to arrive in the canoes which migrated from Ilawa iki, the names of the canoes being: Tainui, Awarua, Matatua and Takitumu. The late Mr Murray held great sway with the natives, and took a leading part in all native conferences. He controlled the area from Te Arolia to Moehau. At all receptions tendered to Governors of New Zealand by the people of Thames, he always gave an address of welcome on behalf of the native race. In his young daj r s he was a keen footballer, and during the last few years was a regular player on the Thames bowling green. He was also a Freemason, being a member of Lodge Sir Walter Scott.

A large tangi is now being held at Kirikiri.