THE GREAT TANGI AT TAUPIRI.

Waikato Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 3469, 22 September 1894, Page 7

THE GREAT TANGI AT TAUPIRI.

Under the direction of Major Tj Whenro and Henare Kaiiian, v-.n'y completenrrangements had been made at Tatipiri on Tuesflay for the due reception of the Southern people, who were expected to arrive by train on that day. The different tribes who h&d assembled were located on the plot of ground between the railway and the road, jiut at the entrant of the village, and each tribe had their different position on the ground assigned to them, the utmost order and decorum being observed, A cordon of some sixty native policemen had been appointed, whose duty it was to see that the regulations laid down were strictly adhered to, and no European was allowed upon the ground. Almost immediately on the arrival of the train, Major Kemp, Ropata t8 Ao and a number of other influential chiefs, together with the fine Otaki Band, the large body of natives escorting the hearse conveying the body of the late king appeared in sight, having halted some half-a-mile back cn the Hukanui Road to await the arrival of the train. Procession was then formed, headed by the band, both parties moving towards each ot!ier, meeting near the bridge, just past Mrs Loveil's, The band then ceased playing for a time, and the procession having reformed, the mournful strains of "The Dead March in Saul "added to the impressive character of the whole proceeding. When all the tribes have assembled, this will be the largest nativj gathering since the great meeting at Kopua in 1879, There are fully throe thousand natives of all ages, men,'women, and children, now encamped around Tawhiao's remains. Large, sheds have been erected tor the visiting Maoris, And a large number of tents have been pitched in the enclosure. The Maoris, aro most orderly, no drunkenness is allowed, the native policemen keeping strict order, and heavy fines are . exacted for any breaches of the rules, Twenty six tribee, so far, are represented from all parts of the Island. _ The Mam'apotos and Ngatihauas arrived in great force with Tawhiao's body. The scene at the reception of Tawhiao's body was most impressive, firm? parties on each side consisted of Ihree hundred armed men naked to the waist and volleys were fired at frequent intervals and dynamite was exploded around the burying place. The cortege was composed of over nine hundred men and women and was welcomed on their arrival by the Waikatos with a sons; and dance. The noise of the chant and dance could be heard for a considerable distance, and Whitiora, a famous Waikato chief, and cousin of Tawhiao, was formally welcomed by the Nga'timaniapoto and other tribes, The tangi then took place, followed by other songs of lamentation and welcome. Immense. quantities of food are already on the ground, there are over twenty tons of flour and many tons of potatoes, besides a number of pigs. The tangi will last till the food gives out. The body will probably be interred ou Wednesday next. Yesterday was devoted entirely :to the tangi and speech making by the chiefs, To day a political meeting will be held when the natives will discuss the Maori kingdom and the new - king. Major To Whero and Henare Kaihau state that all the' Europeans will be welcomed on Monday,