Hapua. He worked as a farmhand, a kauri bushman, a bullock driver, a cartage contractor, a commercial fisherman and then became a building contractor. Always interested in the affairs of his people, Mr Tepania took an active part in promoting the education of his people and the retention of Maori culture. It was he who was primarily responsible for the erection of the Ohaki Meeting-house at Ahipara. A prominent member of the Roman Catholic Church, his interests were not limited to his own church as far as religious matters were concerned. Again it was he who was primarily responsible for the renovation of the Ahipara Anglican Church. Speakers at his tangi held at Ahipara, at which a very large number gathered, referred to him as the ‘needle which was responsible for sewing the churches together as well as the people.’ A forthright and fearless speaker, Mr Tepania represented his tribes at various national gatherings, being respected for his dedication and sincerity of purpose. So, Te Aupouri and Te Rarawa have again lost another of their notable sons — an irreparable loss which is mourned by many fortunate to know him. E Wa, nau i takahi nga marae tini o te motu. Ko koe te manu korero o te Tai-tokerau, kua wahangu nei i tenei ra. Kua pania to iwi. Haere ra; kua okioki koe i o mahi; e moe i roto i te Ariki.

Riwai Tawhiri Mr Riwai Te Hiwinui Tawhiri died in Gisborne last September at the age of 90. He was the last surviving Te Aute College contemporary of Sir Peter Buck. Mr Tawhiri studied at Nelson Theological College, and although ordained a deacon of the Anglican Church, became a school-teacher and taught at Maori schools in Northland, Waikato and the East Coast. He was one of the first Maoris to become a headmaster. Music and tennis were two of his major interests. During his retirement, Mr Tawhiri lived in Auckland, returning to Gisborne only three months before he died. While in Auckland, he told his story of ‘The Lost Finger’ to Harry Dansey, and it was published in our issue 63. Mr Tawhiri is survived by two sons.

Waipounamu Te Wheki A very well-known figure in the Morrinsville area, Mrs Waipounamu Te Wheki, died on 28 October. She was a sister of the late Te Hau Tanawhea, a chief of Ngati Haua. Born in 1881, she was one of the last survivors of her generation.

Hipirini Te Kata Another elder of Ngati Haua has died, Mr Hipirini Te Kata, aged 82. He was born in Te Awamutu area and attended Te Aute College. Mr Te Kata became highly qualified as an interpreter, working with the Maori Affairs Department, the Maori Land Court, an Auckland firm of solicitors, and finally in his own business at Te Awamutu. Later in life, Mr Te Kata took up farming at Te Awamutu before returning to his home marae, Parewere. He was an ordained apostle of the Ratana church. Mr Te Kata, who was married twice, leaves a large number of descendants.

Popo Heta One of Rotorua's oldest Maoris, Mr Popo Heta, died on 18 December in Rotorua Hospital. Mr Heta, who was born at Karamuramu, was 104 years old. He was five years old when Fort Galatea was built, and could remember Gilbert Mair, leader of the fighting Arawa column, going through Kaingaroa during the Te Kooti campaign. He leaves a daughter, Mrs Miria Te Tomo, eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Tumeke Wehipeihana A large number attended the tangi for Mr Tumeke Wehipeihana, who died on Christmas Day, aged 89. The service was conducted at Kuku Pa, Ohau. Mr and Mrs Wehipeihana had recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Keith Henderson An unusual tribute was paid to Mr Keith Dawson Henderson, with the holding of a tangi at Judea marae after his death in Tauranga on 7 January.