LATE MR RATANA

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20916, 22 September 1939, Page 6

LATE MR RATANA

MANY ARRIVE FOR FUNERAL (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WANGANUI. Thursday Maoris from all parts of the Dominion are arriving In Hatana Ha to attend the funeral of the late Mr T. W. Ratana, which has been arranged for 2 p.m. on Sunday. A large contingent from the North Auckland district arrived today. Telegrams of condolence and respect to the memory of the dead loader have been received from various parts of New Zealand. Including messages from King Koroki and Princess Te Puea, the Prime Minister the Rt. lion. M. J. Savage, and Sir Aplrana Ngata. In an Interview tonight Mr P. K. Palkea, M.P. for Northern Maori, said that the future of the movement would be discussed during and after the lying In state. A strong committee had been formed, which included Mr E. T. Tirikatene, M.P. for Southern Maori, and Mr H. T. Ratana. M.P. for Western Maori. He could not say more than that the matter of a new leader would no doubt be discussed wben the future of the movement was under consideration.

QUEBTION OF NEW LEADEN

DISCUSSION NEXT WEEK About 4000 Maoris are housed at Ratana Pa for the funeral of Mr W. T. Ratana, which will take place at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday. The burial service will be conducted by apostles of the Ratana Church. It is expected that the acting-Minister of Native Affairs, the Hon. F. Langstone. will attend the funeral, also Sir Apirana Ngata and other Members of Parliament. Maoris continue to arrive dally for the tamgl, which will last the whole of next week. •No discussion has yet taken place on the appointment of a new leader, hut the matter will he discussed next week, with Mr H. T. Hatana, M.P., chairman, Mr P. K. Paikea, M.P., deputy-chairman, and Mr E. T. Tirikatene, M.P., as treasurer. Hundreds of telegrams and letters of sympathy have poured Into the Ratana post office. These will be acknowledged after the funeral.