REWI MANIAPOTO'S GRAVE AT KIHIKIHI.

Waipa Post, Volume III, Issue 126, 9 July 1912, Page 3

REWI MANIAPOTO'S GRAVE AT KIHIKIHI.

In the Houre on Wednesday Dr. Pomare (Western Maori District) asked the Native Minister what he intends doing to the neglected house and grave of Rewi Maniapoto at Kihikihi. The Hon. Mr Macdonald (Native Minister) replied that the section on which the house and grave stand was vested in the District Maori Land Board under last year's Act, and before further action is taken the Board is awaiting the decision of the Government on the application of certain Natives to allow the

removal of Rewi's remains from the section in question to the tribal burial-ground at Waharoa. Dr. Pomare, commenting in dissatisfied terms on the Ministerial reply, recalled the circumstances of the gift. The times were troublous. Pakeha arid Maori were in conflict. Sir George Grey induced the grand old

Maori to come out and confer:' The result was establishment of peace. Sir George gave Rewi an acre of land and a house at Kihikihi. Times had since changed. The vision in Rewi's far-seeing eye had been fulfilled. He had come to terms with Sir George in

the interests of the Maori race—the education and advancement of the Natives. The results were in evidence. They now saw the King Country filled with scores of smiling homesteads ; but, also, . unfortunately, bad and unmetalled roads. The grave of the great man who, on the Maori side, was instrumental in bringing about peace and tranquility between the two races, leading to the

settlement of the King Country and much prosperity, was neglected, and the house in a sad state of disrepair. The relatives of the illustrious Chief asked the Government to give them the land and the building on it. In his repty the Minister said

that the section on which the grave stands was vested in the District Maori Land Board. He (Dr. Pomare) would like to know who asked that it be so vested, and for what reason? The relatives of Rewi Maniapoto would like a title to the land — their petition had been favorably reported upon and compliance _ with its prayer recommended If they could not get the title to

the acre they proposed removing the remains of the old warrior—the man who could at one time have caused trouble, but brought about peace. Mr J. A. Young warmly supported giving effect promptly to the request of the relatives of the deceased rangatira, warmly

eulogising Rewi, and urging that what was asked for was but small recognition of the worth and tribute to the memory of a noble .nan. The Native Minister replfed

(to Pr. Pomare) that the land has * been vested in the Native Land Board, so that titles can be ascertained and issued fo the rightful owners. Dr. Pomare expressed himself satisfied with that position for the present.