Death Of Prominent Maori Leader At Patea

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 February 1949, Page 4

Death Of Prominent Maori Leader At Patea

Well known by Maori people throughout New Zealand and prominent in the councils of the Ngati-Rua-nui tribe of South Taranaki, Mr. Maui Onekura died suddenly at his Patea home on Wednesday. He was 76 years of age. Mr.Onekura, who had lately been in retirement at Patea, was lor a number of years a member of the Taranaki Maori Trust Board and was chairman up until about five years ago. His knowledge of local land matters was extensive and ho conducted a number of cases on behalf of various Maoris in the Maori Land Court. He was chairman of the Wai-o-Turi tribal committee of the Ngati Ruanui tribal executive. Hi s interest in sport was confined in the latter years of his life to bowling, being a member of the Patea Bowling Club. Mr. Onekura was perhaps best known for his deep knowledge of Maori lore and legend, on which he was an acknowledged authority. An orator of the old school, he represented his tribe at many functions throughout the Dominion. Perhaps the last time his knowledge of tradition was demonstrated was during the recent visit of the touring Rarotongan party, when he recited the names of canoes and people, which were recorded in Rarotongan history as having sailed from Hawaiki in the migration of 1350.

Mr. Onekura is survived by his wife and two adopted children. The tangi which is being held at Pariroa Pa, Patea, is expected to be the largest held in Taranaki for some years. There are about 400 people at the par already, prominent mourners including Messrs R. Ratana and E. Tirikatene, M..’sP. The funeral will take place today.