HAERE KI O KOUTOU TIPUNA HAERE KI O KOUTOU TIPUNA

MR WAINGANGI HANITA The death occurred at Masterton Hospital recently of Mr Waingarangi Hanita (Wae Hunter), a well-known former resident of Takapau. Born at Taipairu Pa, Waipawa, 63 years ago, he attended the Waipawa and Porangahau Schools. Later, he worked around Takapau, leaving there to serve overseas in the First World War. About two years after his return from overseas, he married Miss Tapi Karaitiana and their family consists of Waingarangi (Takapau), Pone (Mrs Morris, Waipukurau), Taki (Mrs H. Snee, Takapau), Mary and Ross. Mr Hanita was one of the best shearers in the Takapau District for many years, and his kindly and jovial manner won him many friends.

MRS RANGIORA NGAMATU The death of Mrs Rangiora Ngamatu occurred at the Rotorua Hospital recently at the age of 71. Her father, the late William Henry Bird, was the first white settler of the Murupara-Galatea district. He settled there some years before the Tarawera eruption of 1886. Her mother was Kiekie Peita, the granddaughter of Peraniko Tahawai, the renowned leader of the Ngati-Manawa tribe which joined forces with the Royal troops under Captain Gilbert Mair against the Hau Hau uprising of the Te Kooti era. Before her health declined, Mrs Ngamatu was very prominent in the general welfare and social activities of her people. She took a leading part in all functions and to the time of her death, retained the respect and high esteem of both Maori and Pakeha. She is survived by her husband, Mr Waihaki Ngamatu, of Taupo, a chief of the Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe.

MR J. (PLUM) WAIARIKI The death of the New Zealand Maori wing-three-quarter, Mr J. (Plum) Waiariki occurred recently at Auckland. Mr Waiariki was a member of the Ngati Porou tribe. He played for New Zealand Maoris against the British Lions last year and was selected for the Maori team to tour Tonga and Samoa last year, but was forced to withdraw after suffering a fractured jaw.

MR ATHOL ALBERT (TIPI) LOVE The death occurred early this year in the Hutt Hospital of Mr Athol Albert (Tipi) Love, of Pelone, the result of accident. Mr Love was born at Waikawa 57 years ago, and was the son of the late Kua and Mary Taha Love. He was a most accomplished entertainer in the Petone district, and as a sportsman, played Rugby Union and League, swam competitively, played cricket and was associated with the Ford's and Moera softball clubs, he played table tennis and was in later years an excellent darts player. A large tangi was held at Te Tatau o Te Po meeting-house, Lower Hutt. The house was packed for the funeral service, and there was an overflow crowd of about 200. Among those present were the Rt. Hon. Walter Nash, M.P. for the Hutt, Mr I. P. Puketapu, and leading representatives of the Maori race.

MR JOSEPH (SONNY) SMITH Joseph Sonny Smith, aged 48, has died suddenly at his home in Opotiki. Although Mr Smith came from Ruatoria, where his mother was from the Ngati-Porou tribe and his father of Gisborne, he was accepted as one of themselves by the Whakatohea tribe, into which he married. Educated at Te Aute College, he worked for several years in the Opotiki and Whakatane area on the land development schemes, and in 1950 joined the Department of Maori Affairs becoming Maori Welfare Officer in Opotiki. His work among the people of the district, young and old, was most extensive and they grew to rely on him in the conducting of their affairs. He was respected and popular among both the Maori and Pakeha community of Opotiki and even outside this district was well-known and liked by the Tuhoe people of the Ureweras. Mr Smith is survived by his wife and eight children.

MRS TARO TAPUA REWETI Mrs Tari Tapua Reweti, better known as Mrs Lou Davis, died at her home, “Taumataokioki”, Whakapara, recently. She lived practically all her married life in Whakapara and took a great interest in all Maori activities. Her husband, Mr Lou Davis, is well-known as a magnificent worker for the Maori people and for youth in sport. Her granddaughter, Neti Davis, is the New Zealand women's table tennis champion and last April represented New Zealand in the world championships at Peking, China. (See Te Ao Hou, issue 32, p. 55.) Mrs Davis was a descendant of the famous Maori chief, Tamati Waka Nene. Her parents were Mr and Mrs Hone Nehua, and the old homestead occupied by the Nehuas still stands opposite the Whakapara School. Mrs Davis was born in Whakapara and educated at the old Otonga School and at Hikurangi. She was a prominent member of the Maori Women's Welfare League and the Whakapara Women's Institute.