Grieving as they come, hundreds of Arawa people advance down the marae.

Ma te roimata ma te hupe ka ea te mate

The people come …

What a moving sight as such throngs came to share the sorrow of the Turangawaewae people.

What sad cries of grief as the visitors greeted the bereaved family.

What glad cries of recognition as relatives and friends were reunited in their coming to farewell a beloved Ariki.

What murmurs of appreciation as messages from absent friends were read to the people.

What beautiful floral tributes were brought to the marae. Among them was this silver canoe sent from the Six Nations Indians of Canada.

On the wampum waters of waning day,
Your White Canoe will move,
Gliding, soaring into the setting Sun,
To the land beyond tomorrow.
Ass-e-ma! Amen!