Hera Hamlin

One of the oldest Maori women in Hawke's Bay, Mrs Hera Hamlin died on 10 December last, aged 90.

She was born at Poukawa, and lived in Hawke's Bay all her life.

Mrs Hamlin was predeceased by her husband, Charles Taneha Hamlin, Waipatu, and is survived by her only son Jerry.

Arthur Grace

Mr Arthur Te Takinga Grace, a highly respected Maori leader died suddenly in Taupo on 4 December, 1967.

Aged 78, Mr Grace had devoted his life to the welfare of the Tuwharetoa people. He was born at Turangi, and educated at Te Aute College.

A member of the Tuwharetoa Trust Board, Mr Grace was a mediator and negotiator of outstanding ability, and was a leader in the moves to develop Maori land and timber resources.

In his younger days he was a prominent rugby player and was a member of the Maori team in the famous match against the 1921 Springbok side.

He is survived by his wife and their son Mr Elwin Grace.

Deane Waretini

One of New Zealand's best known singers of 40 years ago, Deane Waretini, died in Rotorua last December.

A member of the Tuhourangi tribe, Deane joined his cousin Ana Hato in 1926 and they became one of the most popular duos in the country, making many recordings.

Deane had shown great promise as a student at Te Aute College, but illness forced him to give up study and he became a farmer at Parekarangi. He was well known in the district and often went to Rotorua to join Ana in charity concerts or when Te Arawa welcomed distinguished visitors.

Father Zangerl

Well over 400 people gathered at Pawarenga last November to pay their last respects to a well-loved priest.

Born in Austria 84 years ago, Father Zangerl came to New Zealand after his ordination in 1906. He had spent six months in Yugoslavia before coming, as he was to work among Dalmatians in the gum fields.

After service at Purakau, Waitoreke and Rotorua, he went to Pawarenga in 1916, where he was to stay for the rest of his life.

An acknowledged linguist, he wrote the Maori missal and translated the Catholic litany into Maori.

Rangi Williams

A popular Maori entertainer, Mrs Rangi Here-here Williams of Ranana, was laid to rest early in January at Otorohanga after a service at Te Kuiti marae.

Mrs Williams was for many years a well known personality of the Wanganui River Road, where she ran a farm with another Maori woman, Miss Polly Teki.

A gifted organiser, Mrs Williams fully supported all community projects and was responsible for the success of many concert parties and cultural groups.

Taunatapu Roach

A great lady of the Taranaki tribes and one of the most knowledgeable historians of the West Coast, Mrs Taunatapu Annie Roach died at New Plymouth on 17 January, aged 72, and was buried at Opunake.

With her husband, the late William Puri Roach, Mrs Roach gave an example of pride of race, skill in ancient crafts and a firm belief in the value of education and a completely integrated community. Their family of six daughters and five sons have accepted and used to the full the educational opportunities available, being trained as nurses, school teachers, farmers and businessmen.

Wi Anaru

Mr Wi Anaru, who was in command of the New Zealand Maori occupational troops in Japan after World War II, died in Rotorua on 17 January aged 60.

A life member of the Rotorua R.S.A. and president of Te Arawa Returned Servicemen's League, Mr Anaru enlisted in the 28th New Zealand Maori Battalion, and served in Greece, Crete and Libya.

A keen rugby player in his youth, Mr Anaru was for three years a selector for the Rotorua Rugby Union and was president of the Waikite Rugby Club.

He is survived by his wife and an adopted son.

William Keys

The untimely death in January of Mr William Keys at the age of 37, saw the passing of an outstanding Maori sportsman.

On his mother's side he was the descendant of distinguished ancestors, both Maori and Pakeha. His Maori forbears were of the Ngapuhi tribe, and he was the great-great-grandson of Judge Manning, author of ‘Old New Zealand’ and other early historical works. From his father he inherited Manx blood, with a long and honoured history in the Isle of Man.

Mr Keys was born at Kohukohu, Northland, and received all his education at Taumarunui.

At the age of 15 he won the N.Z. Maori tennis singles championship at Ngaruawahia, shared the men's doubles with his older brother Fred, and the mixed doubles with his mother, Mrs Ada Keys. He successfully defended his singles and doubles titles for several years, and also competed with success at the N.Z. Open Junior championships.

Mr Keys was also an outstanding rugby player and was well above average at golf, snooker and billiards, A rugby injury eventually forced him to discontinue all strenuous sporting activities.

Prior to the start of the N.Z. Maori tennis championships at Rotorua this year, competitors and officials observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect to the late Mr Keys.

He leaves a wife and three children.

—E. R. Clark