1913 - Nihoniho, T. Narrative of the Fighting on the East Coast - [Front matter], p 1-3

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TUTA NIHONIHO, OF NGATI-POROU.

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INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

THE narrative of bush fighting and other matter given in this little volume has been written by Tuta Nihoniho, formerly an officer of the Ngati-Porou Native Contingent, a force of remarkably fine bush fighters that saw much service, endured, many hardships, and rendered great aid to the Government during the struggle with hostile tribes and Hauhau fanatics on the East Coast from the year 1865 to 1871.

Owing to the services rendered by the above force, and the gallant behaviour of Major Ropata Wahawaha and Captain Tuta Nihoniho, officers thereof, these two chiefs were presented with swords of honour by Her Majesty Queen Victoria.

A few months since Captain Tuta Nihoniho deposited his presentation sword in the Dominion Museum at Wellington, for safe keeping, whereupon he was asked to write some account of the numerous actions wherein his tribe took such a prominent part, and by whose aid the harassed settlers on the East Coast were enabled to dwell in peace and security.

The MSS. handed in by the old chief comprised not only a very interesting narrative of many actions fought and hardships endured, but also a very good account of Native methods of bush warfare, the same being a mixture of exceedingly good advice to young soldiers and explanations of curious Native beliefs in divers omens.

Students of the Maori tongue will be much interested in the many archaic expressions and metaphorical phrases employed by the narrator.

A. HAMILTON, Director.

Dominion Museum,
Wellington, New Zealand.