OBITUARY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160797, 3 November 1920, Page 5

OBITUARY.

—,———.— passing’ of a Maori was VETERAN. Another old Maori War veteran in the person of Ensign Hdri Kerei died at Putiki on Monday last, the Ist inst. The deceased was a son of the wellknown chief Pai Pai, of Putiki, and was born at Putiki eome 94 years ago. As a young roan he was on the staff -of the late Sir George Grey when GovelicW ?f New Zealand, and held the positynSL .Jif ' native aide-de-camp. At that tyK’he held a commission in the „ New !&aland Defence Forces, his rank feaing that of an ensign. He remained ’With Sir George Grey until the end of his term of Governorship. In 1862 or 1866 Hori returned to Wanganui, and in 1868, when the native troubles began on this coast, he joined the “Kupapas” (Native Contingent), serving as an officer under Major Kemp, who was the officer in charge of that contingent. The deceased was on active service with this contingent, serving under the late Colonel T, McDonnell up this coast at Te Ngutu o' Temana aud other places, also on the East Coast, Taupo district, and within a short distance of Tan* rauga. For these services he received the New Zealand War Medal. For many years deceased was a member of the local branch of H.M. Veterans’ Association, and until old age and infirmities crept on him was a regular attendant at their meetings and at any functions they took part in. He was of a quiet, unassuming disposition, a man who was held in high esteem both by Maori and European, one of the class that are now fast dicing out, and it can/be truthfully said he was one of Nature’s perfect gentlemen. The deceased leaves one daughter (who married Colour-Sergeant Forsyth, of the 18th Royal Irish, and with his daughter and son-in-law he- spent his closing years), two grandaughters. several great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren to mourn their loss. One grandson, Lieut. Forsythe, was killed in the South African War. The funeral took place this afternoon at Putiki, a number of old comrades paying their last respects to deceased. The funeral ceremony was conducted by the Rev. A. 0. Williams, and two buglers from tbe Gonville School Fugle Band sounded “The Last Post,”