Obituary.

Thames Star, Volume LXV, Issue 19247, 31 October 1934, Page 2

Obituary.

MAORI CHIEFTAINESS. The death occurred early this morning of Wikitoria Te Ngahue, aged 78, better known as Wao, at the residence of her daughter, Hera Ngahuia Murray, Baillie Street, Thames, after a long illness. Deceased was the wife of the late Mare Teretiu, of Kirikiri, and was Chieftainess of the Ngatimaru tribe, and in addition was connected with the sub-tribes, Ngatiwhanaunga, Ngatiteaute and Ngatinaunau. She was a daughter of the late Eru Te Ngahue, of Ngatimari, who was connnected with the Thames goldfields in the early days and owned lands at Tararu. Mrs. Te Ngahue and well-known and respected by both Europeans and Maoris throughout the Thames district. Deceased is survived by a son, Te Ngahue (John) Murray, Kirikiri, two daughters, Aumihi (Mabel) Gregory, Kirikiri, and Hera (Sarah) Murray,' of Thames, 17 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. JAMES COOMBES. The death occurred at the Thames Hospital yesterday of Mr. James Coombes, an old identity of Thames and Paeroa. Mr. Coombes came to Thames as a young man soon after the goldfield was proclaimed, and during the greater part of his life followed the occupation of a builder. At the time of his death he was the oldest living member of Lodge Court Pride of Parnell, having retained his membership for 63 years. After leaving Thames some years ago Mr. Coombes took up his residence at Paeroa. He is survived by his widow, seven daughters and three sons. The funeral will leave St. George’s Church to-morrow at 1.30 p.m. for Shortland cemetery.