DEATH OF A NOTED MAORI CENTENARIAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18012, 24 November 1926, Page 14

DEATH OF A NOTED MAORI CENTENARIAN.

ONE OF LAST LINKS WITH OLD TRIBES. (Special to the “Star.”) WANGANUI, November 24. Having reached 100 years, Hakiahi Tawheao, who died at Kakatahi on Monday last, was one of the last links with the original people of Tuhua, or the headquarters of the Wanganui River tribe. Waikato blood ran in his veins, indicated by the name of Tawheao, a name or significance as referring to the so-called Maori king. Deceased was a noted man among his people, whose interests lie in blocks of native land located in the vicinity of Ohura, Maraekowhia and Koiro. He took a prominent part in the inter-tribal fights, and also fought during the Maori wars. Originally he was a large owner of lands in Taumarunui, upon which are now erected several business premises. He was a remarkably well preserved man for his age, being tall of stature and of an impressive personality right to the last. Tawheao was greatly respected among his own people and also among the pakehas of Taumarunui. Owing to declining years he removed to Wanganui and had been a resident of Gonville for several years. His only surviving child is Mrs Ringa Keepa, of Gonville, and a grandson is Toani Renata, who, up till recently, was a pupil at the Wanganui Technical College. The body was taken to Taumarunui to-day, and a tangi will be held there.