HAERE KI O KOUTOU TIPUNA

James Te Rangi Cross Mr Cross died at Whangarei, aged 90. He was born at Waitangi and after being educated at St Stephen's Maori Boys' School, qualified as an interpreter and worked for some time for a solicitor. Later he worked on a family farm, and became a keen gardener. In 1945, he became chairman of the Kaka Porowini Marae Reserves Trust, a post he held until 1962.

Henare Tenana Bay of Islands elder Henare Poutawera Clendon Tenana died at his home in Rawhiti at the age of 75. He was chief of the Ngati Kuta and an elder of the Ngati Hine sub-tribe. Mr Tenana had been a farmer most of his life. Active in many community projects, he was a former chairman of the Rawhiti Maori Committee, a trustee of the Rawhiti marae, and a founder member of the original Waitangi National Trust. He was also a foundation member of the committee that organised the laying on Mount Takanae of a memorial stone to Kupe, the great navigator. He is survived by his wife and 11 children.

Taia Toia Mr Taia Toia, 86-year-old member of the Mahurehure tribe and Ngati Tawaki subtribe, died at his home at Waimate North. He was one of the old-time kauri bushmen of Northland, owning and operating his own bullock team. After farming for some years, he started the Toia sawmill near the shores of Lake Omapere. It was later moved to Okaihu East. After his sons had gained the necessary experience, he handed the sawmill over to them and returned to develop 250 acres of gumland at Lake Omapere to farming standard. He is survived by his five sons and four daughters.

Tamahina Topine The death occurred at Taumarunui of Mr Tamahina (Scotty) Topine at the age of 70. He was a member of the Ngatihau-a-Paparangi and a highly respected elder of Ngapuwaiwaha Pa. He also had affiliations with Kahungunu and Tuhoe Federations on his mother's side. With his lifelong interest in all types of farming and management, Scotty was well known in sheep-shearing circles throughout the country. Many mourners attended the funeral at Ngapuwaiwaha maare. Predeceased by his wife, Mr Topine leaves a step-son, John Onangi, and a son, David Te Whetu, both of Taumarunui.

Kahouterangi Te Kuru A prominent member of the Tuwharetoa tribe, Mr Kahouterangi Te Kuru died at his home at Pukawa on the western shores of Lake Taupo, aged 94. In recent years, Mr Te Kuru had made several trips overseas, one a pilgrimage to Trois Arbres Cemetery in France, where his son was buried in World War I in 1917. He also visited the War Cemetery at Cassino and inspected the graves of Waihi, Tokaanu and Turangi men who died in the battle there during World War II. Mr Te Kuru is survived by a daughter, Mrs Epiha, a son, Mr T. Te Kuru, 33 grandchildren, and a number of great and great great grandchildren.

Mereana Waiwai Maori and Pakeha mourned the death of Mrs Mereana Waiwai, well known for her skill in weaving. who died in her village of Tuai, aged 89. Mrs Waiwai made many flax articles for ceremonial occasions and for gifts to notable people. She was closely associated with the decoration of the Waiwhetu meeting house, coming from her Tuhoe home to direct operations. She showed the young Maori people the type of materials