HAERE KI O KOUTOU TIPUNA

Ivor Arthur Te Puni A great-grandson of Chief Honiana Te Puni, who welcomed the settlers in the Tory when she arrived off Petone foreshore in 1840, Mr, I. A. Te Puni died on 29 May, aged 82. He spent some time in Taranaki, and went farming in Queen Charlotte Sound in 1927, moving to Picton in 1931. There he later was employed as a builder with the Department of Maori Affairs. Mr Te Puni made carving in traditional Maori style his life-time hobby, and did his best to persuade the younger generation to preserve the ancient arts. His home contained many valuable relics, and his advice on Maori matters was often sought. He was buried in the family cemetery at Petone.

Harold Tarewai Wesley Maori and Pakeha joined to mourn the acknowledged leader of the Kaik Maori community, 60-year-old Mr H. T. Wesley, who died in Dunedin on 17 July. Mr Wesley, son of a well-known Morven family, held positions on many Maori Committees. He was a strong member of the interdenominational church at Otakau and was involved in all community activities. He farmed on the Peninsula for 20 years and gave long service to the Peninsula A. & P. Society. Mr Wesley is survived by his wife Edna and son Sutton.

George Heperi Mr George Heperi, Takapau, died suddently while on a visit to Nelson. Mr Heperi, who was 69, was educated at the Takapau Primary school and Te Aute College. He played rugby and tennis in his youth and later took up golf to become club champion of the Takapau Golf Club in 1930. He was secretary of the Aorangi Trust Board until his death and was a member of the Anglican Church. He was also a member of the RAOB and held office in the Takapau Masonic Lodge. He belonged to Ngaitahu and though not vocal on the marae, was a most active organiser in tribal matters. He leaves a wife and three children, Mrs Wiki Grogan and Mrs Huia Halbert (both of Gisborne) and Sergeant Tahu Heperi, of the New Zealand Army.

Frederick Te Tiwha Bennett Mr. F. T. Bennett, third son of the first Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt Revd F. Bennett, died on 31 July, aged 61. Mr Bennett was one of 14 children. His brothers include Mr C. M. Bennett, former New Zealand High Commissioner in Malaya and now Assistant Secretary of Maori Affairs, Dr H. R. Bennett, medical superintendent at Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital, Te Awamutu, and the Revd A. M. Bennett, prison chaplain at Waikeria. One of seven brothers to be commissioned from the ranks in the Second World War, he went overseas in the second echelon, the original Maori Battalion, and after serving in the Middle East returned home as a captain. Mr Bennett was educated in Rotorua, at Te Aute College, Napier Boys' High School and Otago University, where he graduated as bachelor of dental surgery. He lived and practised dentistry in Ponsonby, was a member of the Auckland Lions Club and a member of the Auckland Racing Club. He is survived by his wife, four daughters and one son. Many fellow Battalion members attended his tangi at the Mangere marae, the service at St. Andrews' Anglican church and burial at Purewa cemetery.

Revd Wharetini Rangi, M.B.E. A prominent figure on the East Coast, Revd W. Rangi, Vicar at Ruatoki died early in August. People from all walks of life. Rugby Union officials local body members. Maori leaders