IMPORTANT MAORI FUNCTION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13340, 31 March 1911, Page 3

IMPORTANT MAORI FUNCTION.

(Per United Press Association.) CARTERTON, March 30,

At/ Papawai to-day, the unveiling ceremony'of a handsome memorial to the late chieftain Tamehau Malmpuku was celebrated. There was a huge concourse, ini eluding 2000 natives and as'many whites. The Hon. Carroll performed the act of unveiling and the service was conducted by the 1 -Rev. A. O. Williams, Superintendent of Maori Ministers, Wanganui, assisted by the Revs. F. 11. Spencer, British Bible Association, Eruera To Ngara (87 years of age), and Tori Pacrata. A welcome haka was danced, 50 warriors attended by' their women taking part. This sight was easily the best performance seen in the Wairarapa for many years, and was greatly applauded. Gathered round the foot of the handsome monument were the immediate relatives of the departed chieftain, amongst whom were Areta Mahupnku,, Naata Maldrika (granddaughter) and her baby son, now eliief of Ngukahuugungu, Hamucra Tamahau, King! Niniwa, I to Rangi, Horiana (Kingi, Edward Kingi and family, James Kingi, Rangi Kerehoma, and Eauknra Martini. The Maori clioir sang hymns in Maori and English, and after the unveiling by the Hon. Carroll, speeches were delivered from the Aotearoa (largo house facing‘the road) by H. T. Whatahoro Mangakahia, W. C. Buchanan, M.P., H. S. Vardell, J. T. M. Hornsby, and the Hon. Carroll, one and all paying the highest tribute to the departed chieftain. At the close of the speeches the Ministerial party and the invited were handsomely entertained at luncheon in the huge meeting house, and later in the afternoon speeches were made by the leading chieftains and chieftainesses. In {lie evening dancing and singing was carried on with great vigour till a late hour.

The Hon. Carroll signified his intention of remaining in the district to-morrow, when he will talk over Maori wants ■ \yitli l . the chiefs. The decision was hailed with delight. To-morrow and the day following, a Maori Council meeting will be held, and on Monday the gathering breaks up with sporta. - ■ ;