THE LATE MR. HOME HEKE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2429, 18 February 1909, Page 5

THE LATE MR. HOME HEKE

IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL CEREMONIES. [Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Feb. 17. The Kaikohe correspondent of the "New Zealami Herald” telegraphs that the remains of the late Mr. Hone Heke, accompanied by the Hon. J. Carroll and a number of southern natives, reached the settlement- of Ng.iwha yesterday afternoon, when a large gathering of Maoris awaited the body. This morning the cortege, an imposing procession of 500 people, came on to Kaikohe, the birthplace of the "lamented chief, where preparation for what will probably prove to be one ff the largest taugis held in New Zealand in recent times is in progress. Cooking-places, eating-houses, and two enormous marquees for sleeping quarters have been erected : and close on one thousand natives are already in camp. The approach of tile cortege was heralded by continuous gunshots from the lookout party, situated upon a knoll near the roadside. As the funeral party, partly obscured in clouds of dust., drew near, a lia'ka .contingent marched out. and after giving vent to their grief in ferocious dancing and loud lamentations, escorted the sad procession to the marae enclosure, where a raised platform had been constructed for the reception of the coffin. At this point women of the different tribes dressed in black, decorated with leaves, rent the air with heartrending wails, and then tribe after tribe knelt and paid their respects to the departed chief. The ceremony was of a most impressive and affecting nature. No definite arrangements have yet been made regarding the day of burial, but the final rites will probably take place on Sunday.