Mrs Totorewa Kawiti The death occurred last July at Waiomio, near Kawakawa, of Mrs Totorewa Kawiti, the wife of the late Mr Riri Maihi Kawiti, a leader of the Ngapuhi tribe and paramount chief of the Ngati Hine sub-tribe. Mrs Kawiti was aged 61. Both Mr and Mrs Kawiti were descended from the great warrior Kawiti, who fought against the British at Ruapekapeka Pa. Mrs Kawiti died at her home shortly after returning from a meeting of mourning for her husband, who died last February. The tangi took place on the Waiomio marae and was attended by hundreds, including a party from Whakatane.

Mr Koma Teomaka Tapsell Mr Koma Teomaka Tapsell died at Rotorua last April, aged 81. He was the younger son of Retreat Tapsell and a grandson of the original Captain Tapsell, a famous early Pakeha settler in the Rotorua district. Mr Tapsell was a returned serviceman of the first World War, having fought at Gallipoli. He is survived by his wife Enid, who is a Justice of the Peace and a city councillor, and by five sons.

Mrs Raiha Waitohi Moerua Mrs Raiha Waitohi Moerua died several months ago in Hamilton hospital. She was aged 70. She had been living at Ngaruawahia with her grandson, Mr Te Manuao Moerua. Mrs Moerua, who was well known among the Waikato-Maniapoto tribes, was a descendant of Te Whata Tuara, and belonged to Ngati Te Kanawa and Ngati Huiao of Maniapoto. She had four daughters, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Mrs Margaret Graham Mrs Margaret Graham, also known as Te Wharetoa Tiniraupeka, died last June, aged 99. Born at Tarawera in August, 1863, she was one of the few survivors of the eruption of 1886. Mrs Graham knew Te Kooti, the founder of the Ringatu faith, of which she was an adherent for many years. She claimed to be the only person living who knew the whereabouts of Te Kooti's grave. She had an expert knowledge of history and genealogy. Mrs Graham spent most of her life in the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty districts. She had been blind for 30 years. Although she had no children of her own, she brought up 15 adopted children.

Mrs Pe Awhimape Broughton Mrs Pe Awhimape Broughton died in Hastings last June, aged 72. Mrs Broughton was the wife of the late George Broughton. During most of their married life they lived in Hawera. Mr Broughton died some 25 years ago. Mrs Broughton was a daughter of Mr Ned Kershaw, whose grandfather, a Pakeha, fought in the early Maori-Pakeha wars. Her mother was born in Hawkes Bay. A highly respected member of the community, Mrs Broughton worked hard as a member of the Women's Tribal Committee. She is survived by seven children and more than 30 grandchildren.

Mrs Jane Hoana Ihaia Mrs Jane Hoana Ihaia died at Rotorua last April, aged 65. She was buried at Rotoiti. A teacher for 35 years, she taught in many parts of the North Island. During a colourful career she was connected with many sporting activities, welfare and Maori organisations. She was a daughter of Maria Topia of the Whakatohea tribe, Opotiki, and her father belonged to the Ngati Whatua people of Dargaville. Among many other projects, the late Mrs Ihaia was involved in the running of the war effort organisation at Opotiki which raised £1000 for Maori returned servicement. She also helped with the raising of funds for the building of the model pa at Rotoiti which was opened in 1960. She is survived by her husband, Mr Peter Ihaia.

Mrs P. P. Parata Mrs Phyllis Pipiriki Parata died last July in Rotorua, aged 86. A member of the Ngai Tahu tribe, she was born in Otago. In 1912 she came with her husband, the late Mr Thomas Parata, to a farm at Kaharoa. Driven off the farm four years later by bushsickness, Mr and Mrs Parata went to live in Rotorua, where Mr Parata worked in the State Forest and later as greenkeeper for the Rotorua Golf Club. Mrs Parata was a life member of the Rotorua Ladies' Golf Club, the Arawa Women's Bowling Club and the Rotorua Croquet Club, and until recent years she was a keen indoor bowler. She was also a keen follower of rugby. She is survived by two sons, Mr Hunter Parata, Rotorua, and Mr Heke Parata, Wellington. We are always grateful to readers who send us obituary notices. They should be sent to the Editor, ‘Te Ao Hou’, Box 2390, Wellington.