DEATH OF AN OLD-TIME CANNIBAL

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10365, 14 June 1901, Page 3

DEATH OF AN OLD-TIME CANNIBAL

PATABA'S INTERESTING CAREER.

The Auckland Star's correspondent learns from natives of the death at Makctu lately of ono of the last of tho old" Maori cannibals. This was Patera Tc Ngungukai, tho'tphunga nnd bonescraper well known 'to Botorua residents as "Old Patara." The ancient man was a great warrior in his young days, and must have been about 90 years of age at the time of his death. He took part with the,Arawas in the wars of 1834-36 against the celebrated Te Waharoa, chief of the Ngatihaua, and grandfather of the present Waikato Premier, Taingakawa te Waharoa. Old Patara was in those days celebrated as the fastest runner in his tribe. Bj£sffas one of the eight hundred Arawa warriors who stormed Te Tuma pa at Maketu, 65 years ago, and Blew and ate the defenders. Patara often used to describe his cannibal feaotet, when he and his comrades devoured tho bodies of the slain. He also took part in the fighting round Botorua in 1836. It is said that when- his father died at Botorua, Patara helped with his brothers to cat the body of his parent. They did 'this as 'a sort of- religious act, filial cannibalism, in fact, apparently with the idea of imbibing the inherent virtues or maha of the father. This was a custom amongst certain people in ancient times. Patara had some ..reputation as a- tohunga or priest, although a man of no rank. His chief occupation seemed to' be that of tribal bone-scraper. He belonged to the Tuhourangi .tribo of Whakarewarewa, but latterly lived at Te Puke and Makctu. He was an old 'age pensioner.