CAPT. HARDINGTON.
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CAPT. HARDINGTON.
CAPTAIN HARDINGTON, when Governor Gore Browne commenced the Taranaki campaign, was one of the first to volunteer for service in the Auckland Cavalry Corps, raised in Auckland for the defence of the settlers on the southern frontier of the province. The corps became popular, all the best men interested themselves in its progress, and it inspired a degree of confidence in the minds of the country settlers and their families. The muster at Otahuhu of about sixty stalwart troopers, mounted upon the best horse flesh in the community, in excellent drill, under the truly gallant Colonel Nixon, instituted a satisfactory surveillance over the outlying districts during a course of about two years; when, upon the arrival of Sir George Grey, they were disbanded from prudential considerations. In 1863, war, however, was declared in the Waikato, and Captain Hardington was asked again by his fellow-townsmen to take command, should a corps of cavalry be again raised. To this he assented. He was unanimously elected to the command, and commissions were issued by the Government accordingly. After being enrolled, and the usual drilling over, the corps was put into active service, and had harassing work at patrol and escort duties, also forwarding despatches. In November, the Auckland troop rejoined the Otahuhu troop, under Colonel Nixon, at Papatoitoi. The duties of patrolling were at the Karaka, Shepherd's Bush, and forwarding despatches between Otahuhu, Papakura, and Howick; and all of the three troops performed their respective duties throughout with the utmost zeal, and relieved the Defence Force situated at Papatoitoi and Papakura. Colonel Nixon went up with the regular troops, and was mortally wounded at Rangiaohia (returning to his farm at Mangere to die), when Captain Hutton became the senior officer in command of the cavalry. At the latter end of 1864, the cavalry were relieved from duty, after a course of over
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a year's active service, when Captain Hutton resigned, and Captain Hardington again became senior officer. Upon the unveiling of the Nixon monument by the Governor, in 1866, he was in command of the three troops. The late Captain Bassett, of the Otahuhu, and Captain McLean, of the Howick troop, resigned in 1868, and Lieutenant Marks was then appointed to the command. Their five years' service--viz., four years of parades and one of active service--were rewarded with thirty acres to each member of land scrip, hardly covering the expense of shoeing their horses.
Mr. Hardington, although now verging on the sere and yellow leaf, is still hearty and strong, with sufficient pluck left to go into harness again, should he ever be required so to do.
THE CHIEF TUKINO.
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THE CHIEF TUKINO.
An incident of the war--How Tukino saved Colonel McDonnell's life.
TUKINO, a man of rank amongst the Maoris belonging to the Tangahoi tribe, and who had made himself known during the war by his shrewdness and skill in laying ambushes by which many an unfortunate fellow met his death, became, after the attack on Pokaikai (from whence he, with others, effected his escape), rather attached to Colonel McDonnell, as was shown from the following circumstance:--It was just before the attack and capture of Pungarehu, a pa situate in the forest, that Toi, a chief of Ngatiruanui, came with a chosen band of fifty armed men to a ford of the Waingongoro River, a mile or so distant from the Waihi camp, and sent the Colonel a message saying that they wished to make peace, but were afraid to come any nearer lest they should be fired upon, and requesting him to come and see them, when they would sign for peace, being quite tired of war. The messenger further handed McDonnell a letter from the tribe in which the same sentiments were expressed. The Colonel, having so many times during the war visited hostile natives in their retreats and strongholds to try and induce them to surrender, it was nothing new or strange for him to receive such a message. Consequently, without a suspicion of treachery (although the tribe had been beaten in a sharp skirmish a short time previous), he replied, that as Toi wished to make peace, he was quite willing to meet him as a friend, but that he and his followers had better come into camp and tender their allegiance; and sitting down, wrote a letter to Toi to this effect, telling him to come in without fear, as no harm should happen to him. The messenger departed, but quickly returned, accompanied by Toi and two other chiefs. McDonnell received them in his tent, treated them most hospitably, and their protestations of friendship and wish for peace were apparently sincere. After some further conversation Toi intimated that he wished the Colonel to return with them to where his people were and repeat the good words he had spoken to them, which, he continued, would be gladly welcomed, after which they could all return to camp and make friends.
Just at this moment the Colonel heard the sentry outside the tent, who had been stationed there to keep prowlers off, order some one away. Again hearing the sentry threaten, he called to him to know what was the matter. He replied that it was a Maori bothering him to give the Colonel a letter. McDonnell, being
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pestered with native letters asking for everything they could think of, said, "Give me the letter, and send him off about his business." This was done and he resumed the conversation with Toi. McDonnell, while listening to Toi's wish to start soon, unconsciously opened the note, one glance of which showed him his position. It was an earnest warning from Tukino, who had just galloped in from Taiporohenui to inform McDonnell that a plot had been laid to capture and tomahawk him, under the pretence of making peace, and that Toi and Hauwhenui were the promoters of it. The Colonel's presence of mind did not forsake him, and carelessly throwing the note into a candle-box standing close by, went on with the korero. McDonnell asked Toi if they had not better ride to the river, that he would find the horses and take two or three of his officers with him to see his people. Toi, apparently much pleased, said that would be very good. To put him quite off his guard, the Colonel asked him what he thought his people would like to eat when they came into the camp, rice and sugar, or flour. Toi made answer, rice would be best. While answering this question the Colonel had taken down his revolver, and looking at it said, "Toi, do you believe in mata kiti?" (a kind of second sight). "Yes," he replied. "So do I," McDonnell replied; "I have just had a presentiment," and holding the revolver within a foot of his head, "One movement, Toi," said he, "and I fire. Confess that you came to trap me. Speak, or I pull--quick!" Toi turned yellow. "E tikaana" (It is true), he gasped, "you have divined our intentions. We are in your power, you will act as you wish," was the reply, as their eyes fell. McDonnell had called the guard in the meantime, and, as Captain Wirihana and Lieutenant McDonnell entered and took charge of the prisoners, the Colonel went out to look for Tukino. He found him smoking in the canteen and breathing anger against the sentry who had behaved so roughly to him. The Colonel told him he was going to shoot Toi and Hauwhenui at once. But Tukino entreated so earnestly for their liberty, that, taking into consideration that the pleader had saved, in all probability, the lives of himself and some of his officers, he reluctantly gave in, and as the Colonel returned to his tent, Toi looked up and said, "Do not keep us long, do the resolve quickly; shoot, but do not hang us." "I have a little to say, Toi," he replied, "I give you your lives. It's lucky for you that the order to cook rice has not yet been given; get you gone quickly; you are safe this time for certain reasons of my own, but if ever I catch you hereafter you will be killed without mercy. Go quickly, or I may alter my mind. I see plainly I will never be killed by such as you." The Colonel saw them through the lines and they travelled at a rapid pace to the crossing.
Had it not been for Tukino's warning neither McDonnell nor any officer or orderly he might have taken with him would have ever seen the sun set. But as the Colonel promised Tukino not to let the natives know that he had given the warning, the fact has never been revealed until now, when Tukino is dead.
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CAPTAIN BRYCE.
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CAPTAIN BRYCE.
Defending the town of Wanganui--Mr. Rusden's attack on Mr. Bryce--The affair at Handley's woolshed--Libel suit against Mr. Rusden--£5000 damages awarded--The capture of Parihaka.
CAPTAIN BRYCE, one of the oldest settlers in the district of Wanganui, had successfully farmed his land for many years prior to the rebellion of 1860; and, having a lively interest in all that concerned the future welfare of New Zealand, was always to be found taking part in the various discussions and public meetings of the province, where his straightforward and common-sense speeches soon attracted the notice of the settlers, inasmuch as they returned him as their member to the House of Representatives on the first occasion that offered. When the war reached Wanganui, he was one of the first to volunteer his services, by joining a troop of yeomanry cavalry, of which he was chosen one of its officers; and soon afterwards, when Titokowaru threatened the township of Wanganui, and Colonel Whitmore, the commanding officer, was suddenly ordered off, with all the available force at his command, to avenge the horrible massacre at Poverty Bay, Lieutenant Bryce's troop became the main safeguard of the district; and so well did they perform their trust--being always on duty, patrolling night and day the banks of the Kai-Iwi river (the then boundary-line of defence), that Titokowaru was awed from attempting his threatened attack on the township.
Years after, Captain Bryce joined the Atkinson Ministry as Native Minister, and by his firmness and determination to carry out his policy, staved off any further appeal to arms, which at times looked to imminent; for all must admit that, in warding off the danger so long threatened at Parihaka, he showed considerable skill and judgment, using the force at his command to such advantage that the fanatics lost all hope, and in the end quietly submitted themselves as prisoners. Yet the Hon. John Bryce was most unjustly attacked by Mr. Rusden, in his work on New Zealand, accusing him of indiscriminately shooting down men, women, and children, while in command of his troop at Handley's woolsheds; whereas the real facts were simply as follows:--
While the lieutenant with his troop were guarding the approaches
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to the township of Wanganui, by patrolling the boundary-line between the contending parties, Titokowaru's men, emboldened by their previous successes, were observed day by day pillaging the farm buildings and station of Mr. Handley, on the opposite side of the Kai-Iwi stream, near to Nukumaru, in broad daylight, which so exasperated our men, among whom were a number of young settlers in the immediate neighbourhood, that they determined to try and surprise the natives in their work of destruction, by riding round the back of the sandhills, and cut them off before they could get back to their pa. One day they were observed destroying the pigs and poultry on the station, and, while intent on their work, a portion of the troop did get round, and made a sortie upon them from between the sandhills, but were unfortunately soon brought to a momentary standstill by a high bank and ditch fence erected round the farm, which few of the horses could clear. Those who did get over--seven in number--made a charge at the retreating body of natives, and succeeded in overtaking and killing several in a swamp before they had time to reach the pa; amongst them two Maori lads fell in the general melee. It was clearly proved at the trial, and admitted by Mr. Rusden's counsel, that Mr. Bryce did not even take part in this charge; but if he had done, there was nothing to feel ashamed of. The skirmish was an ordinary brush with rebels under arms, who were in the very act of pillaging a settler's homestead. So insecure were the settlers of Wanganui at that moment, that it was absolutely necessary some demonstration should be made to check the further advance of Titokowaru; and this little event had all the desired effect, as, after the skirmish was over, little more was seen or heard of Titokowaru's threats. It is very easy indeed for members of the Aborigines' Protection Society, as they sit by their cosy firesides in merry England, to try and rake up cases of cruelty against the pioneers of a new colony. If a few of these gentlemen were transported to the Antipodes, and their lives now and then placed in jeopardy, as the colonists' continually were, by a bloodthirsty, fanatical crew of savages, I doubt if even Mr. Rusden himself would wait to ascertain the ages of the enemy at his door before he fired in self-defence. An idea of the issues tried in the action brought by Mr. Bryce against Mr. Rusden, may be gained from the judge's summing up.
"Mr. Baron Huddleston, in summing up the case to the jury, said: The defences which were set up were three--(1) It is said that the passages are true in substance and fact. If that be so, it is a complete answer to the action, for then there could be no injury to the plaintiff. By true in substance and fact he did not mean to say that it was necessary for the defendant to prove the truth of every fact in the passage. But the onus probandi was upon the defendant to satisfy them that what he had written was substantially true in fact. He must prove every material fact. To these facts he would presently refer in detail. The second ground of defence was one which had been fully recognised by all the legal authorities, and particularly those of
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recent date. It was that the passages complained of were fair and bona fide comment written about a public man's act in connection with a matter of public interest. His Lordship said he would shortly explain what was fair and bona fide comment. The third defence was, that it was written in the honest and bona fide belief that it was true in substance and fact and without malice. As regarded that defence, his Lordship had not the slightest hesitation in at once ruling that, in point of law, it was bad and no answer to the action. Take, for instance, the case of a gentleman engaged in commerce, about whom something wholly untrue and which affects his character has been written, and in consequence he is ruined and becomes bankrupt, both in character and capital--what answer is it for the person who has caused all that mischief to say that he honestly believed at the time he had written what he did that it was true, and that he had written it so believing and without malice? If such a defence were law, how could character and honour be maintained in this country? The law of England jealously protected the character of British subjects, and properly so. For if a man's character is attacked and ruined he is shunned by his fellow-men. Any man who chose to circulate slanderous accusations must be prepared to answer for so doing. Even were this subject new law he would have no hesitation in deciding it, but it was not, for it was laid down in the case of 'Campbell v. Spottiswoode' (3 'B and S,' 769) by Lord Chief Justice Cockburn in his judgment that 'in the interest of society the public conduct of public men should be criticised without any other limit than that the writer should have an honest belief that what he writes is true. But it seems to me that the public have an equal interest in the maintenance of the public character of public men, and public affairs could not be conducted by men of honour with a view to the welfare of the country if we were to sanction attacks destructive of their honour and character made without foundation. I think the fair position of the law is this--that where the public conduct of a public man is open to animadversion, and the writer who is commenting thereon makes imputations which arise fairly out of his conduct so that a jury shall say the criticism is not only honest but well founded, an action is not maintainable. But it is not because a public writer fancies that the conduct of a public man is open to the suspicion of dishonesty he is therefore justified in assailing his character as dishonest.' Again, in the same case, Mr. Justice Crompton had said, 'But it is always to be left to a jury to say whether the publication has gone beyond the limits of fair comment. A writer is not entitled to overstep those limits and impute base and sordid motives which are not warranted by the facts;' and 'I cannot for a moment think that because he has a bona fide belief that what he is publishing is true it is any answer to an action for libel.' Lord Justice Blackburn had also said in the same case, 'A question had been asked the jury whether the writer bona fide and honestly believed it to be true, and the jury have found that he did. We have to say whether that is an answer to the action. I think not; it is no defence.' His Lordship, continuing, said: You have, therefore, those authorities in addition to my own. The only remaining questions for us to consider, therefore, are whether it is true in substance and fact, and, if it is not, then whether it is a bona fide comment upon a public man on a matter of public interest. Sir John Gorst admitted in his admirable and candid speech that there were three things which he could not deny--viz. (1) That there were no women present at the Handley's wool-shed affair; (2) that Mr. Bryce did not take a personal part in the charge there made by the troopers; and (3) that if the passage 'Rangihiwhinui--(i.e., Kemp)--declared that he would never have joined the colonial forces if he had thought them capable of such acts. He earned these by the hatred of Bryce, who long afterwards, when Native Minister, dismissed
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him (Kemp) from office,' bore the meaning that Bryce had dismissed Kemp for corrupt motives, it was a libel on Bryce. Those questions seemed to go to the whole matter. The learned Judge, having read the first libel, remarked that in considering the question of the meaning conveyed by the passage they must look at it not as Mr. Rusden might have thought of it, but as humble and ordinary individuals reading it for the first time. Could any such reader doubt that the words 'some women and young children emerged from a pa to hunt pigs. Lieutenant Bryce and Sergeant Maxwell, of the Kai-Iwi Cavalry, dashed upon them, cutting them down gleefully and with ease,' did not impute that Bryce took a personal part in the slaughter? Again, what did they think was the sense conveyed by the passage which discussed the cause of Kemp's dismissal by Bryce? Did it not mean to impute some sinister motive to Bryce? But the question was entirely for them to decide. That this statement about women being present is untrue is beyond all dispute, and now admitted. If, therefore, the other two passages convey the meaning which the plaintiff attributes to them, and they are also untrue, the defence that the libels are true in substance fails. This brings us to what I have seen from the outset would be the main issue in this case. It is this--Were these passages written by Mr. Rusden fair and bona fide comment upon Mr. Bryce in his public capacity about a matter of public interest? We may take it, I think, that the matters in question were of public interest. Was the comment fair? This is the question which you will have to decide in the light of the law as explained by me. The duty of the Judges, his Lordship continued, was, no doubt, to adapt the law to the times and circumstances of cases--so far as was possible. But, as Lord Cockburn had said, in a case to which he would refer presently, there must be some limit to public criticism of public men, and liberty must not be extended to licence. No doubt politicians gave and received hard blows, but it did not therefore follow that trespass into personal character was to be permitted. This doctrine was very aptly put in a judgment of Lord Cockburn's in the case of 'Seymour v. Butterworth' (3 'F. and F.,' 372). Again, Lord Bramwell said in 'Kelly v. Sherlock' ('L.R.' 1 Q.B., 689), 'A clergyman with his flock, an admiral with his fleet, a general with his army, and a judge with a jury are all subjects for public discussion and comment. All men who filled public positions rendered themselves open to comment.' Continuing, his Lordship said he had read those extracts in order to explain to them the effect of what he was about to say--viz., that if, in discussing a matter of public interest, a man chooses to condescend to personal attack, such comment is not fair, and is, therefore, actionable. For example, if when you are commenting upon and describing the acts or character of a public man in a general way, you add that in early life he had been a thief, such comment would not be fair. That being the law which would govern them, he would remind them before proceeding, once more, what were the questions upon which they must bring their minds to bear. They were--Were the passages true in substance and fact? And, if not, were they fair and bona fide comment, as explained by his Lordship? His Lordship then proceeded to detail the facts, first, as regarded the Handley's woolshed, and, lastly, as to the Parihaka incident. In a most careful and detailed manner, his Lordship took the jury through all the material parts of the evidence, commenting thereon. In dealing with the materials upon which Mr. Rusden had said he had written the first libellous passage, and which accused Mr. Bryce of cutting down women and children, the learned Judge commented very severely upon the discrepancy in the evidence of Bishop Hadfield on the point taken on oath and in the version of the affair which Sir Arthur Gordon had sent in a letter to Mr. Rusden in 1883 as reliable statements made to him (Sir Arthur
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Gordon) by the Bishop relative to the same affair. In the latter Sir Arthur Gordon had stated that the Bishop had told him that 'he wished to be well within the mark, and that five women, and at least ten children, were killed on that occasion;' while when examined on oath the Bishop had not said that any women at all had been killed. It was a remarkable difference, for which he failed to discover any satisfactory explanation. Speaking of the Parihaka incident, the learned Judge, having dealt with the circumstances under which it had taken place, remarked, with reference to the large force employed, that that seemed a very wise precaution if resistance was feared. It was the most likely manner of avoiding bloodshed. And there was, as a fact, no bloodshed. Mr. Bryce had no doubt destroyed the native medicine-house--doubtless of a somewhat sacred character--he said that it was necessary to have done so to check the growth of a dangerous fanaticism. No doubt in all such cases as these it was necessary for those in power to act with determination and firmly. Supposing Mr. Rusden considered this a cruel act, did he in his book discuss it in a fair spirit and without introducing personal attack? His Lordship then read the libel justification and particulars and remarked that it did seem a little as if Mr. Rusden was dragging in little unnecessary remarks in order to express such an opinion. There, however, was the article, and they must judge whether or not it was a personal attack or a fair and bona fide comment upon Mr. Bryce as a public man. No doubt these events were such as to challenge comment, yet that comment must be fair. If, then, they were of opinion that the defendant had not satisfied them that the libels were true in substance and fact, or that they were not fair and bona fide comment, then the plaintiff must have their verdict. In that case it would be for them to say what damages Mr. Bryce should have. They must not give vindictive damages, but such a sum as, looking at Mr. Bryce's position and all the surrounding circumstances, might be considered a fair and reasonable compensation for the pain and annoyance occasioned him and for the damage to his reputation and character. In dealing with that question, his Lordship said he thought the jury would be fully justified in taking into consideration the fact that no apology had been made. In conclusion, his Lordship said that he considered Mr. Bryce was perfectly right in bringing the action in England and not in New Zealand. They had followed the case with such care and attention that he had no misgivings in now leaving it in their hands. They would have to say whether the passages in question were true in substance and effect. And, if not, then whether they were fair and bona fide comment written of a public man on a matter of public interest.
"One of the jury asked his Lordship whether the question as to the bona fide belief of the defendant in the truth of what he wrote might be taken into consideration when dealing with the damages.
"Mr. Baron Huddleston said that Mr. Justice Blackburn, in 'Campbell v. Spottiswoode' had said that 'it may mitigate the amount, but cannot disentitle the plaintiff to damages,' and although he did not himself see how it could be so where it was a case of compensation to the plaintiff they might on that authority consider it in that sense.
"The jury retired at 3.50 p.m., and returned at 4 p.m., finding a verdict for the plaintiff, with damages £5,000.
"Mr. Tyrrell Paine asked for judgment.
"Mr. Baron Huddleston gave judgment accordingly.
"Sir John Gorst asked for a stay of execution on the ground that the damages were excessive, but Baron Huddleston said he could see no grounds for granting the request. He was quite clear upon the law of the case. He also certified for the special jury."
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The following account of the skirmish at Nukumaru is furnished by an eye-witness (Trooper Francis J. Shortt):--"Towards the end of November, 1868, the colonial force, under Colonel Whitmore, were encamped at Woodall's Redoubt, some few miles out of Wanganui. The force consisted of a few hundred infantry and about thirty mounted troopers (exclusive of volunteers). I belonged to the troop under Captain Newland and Sub-Captain O'Halloran. On the afternoon of the 25th November, the troop received orders to be saddled up at midnight for a night expedition, the object of which was kept secret. At 12 o'clock we were all ready, but the rain descended so heavily we were ordered to unsaddle and turn in. On the following afternoon, we received a similar order, and at 12 o'clock at night we left Woodall's Redoubt, in charge of a guide, who led us down a precipitous path to the beach below, where we met the Kai-Iwi Cavalry. We proceeded together along the beach under the cliffs, forded the Kai-Iwi and Okehu streams, and turning inland, crossed the sandhills on to the fertile land near Nukumaru, and then rode on to the Wairoa Redoubt. I was very tired and turned in. About two o'clock next day, we started back again. We did not return by the same road we came, but by the sand-hills along the sea coast. We had nearly arrived abreast of Nukumaru. when Sergeant Handley, of the Kai-Iwi troop, who was riding with Captain Newland, said, 'I should like to have a look at my brother's property.' I was riding behind Captain Newland at the time as he turned round and said, 'Shortt, you go with Handley.' We immediately galloped off, and soon arrived at the edge of the sand-hills, on the top of which was a post-and-rail fence surrounding some graves. While I held Handley's horse, he climbed the hill and disappeared through the rails. In about a minute, he came down and told me to go up and have a look, but not to expose myself. I did so, and from the top of the hill a grand view of the surrounding country was obtained. A placid lake lay to the right, a large woolshed close under the hill, clumps of flax extended everywhere. The whole immediate district seemed fenced in every direction. In front of the shed were three or four large fires burning, and I counted about twenty or thirty men and striplings busy about the shed. I took a good, steady five minutes' look at the place before I returned to Sergeant Handley, who was impatiently awaiting me. I said, 'Hauhaus, Handley.' He said, 'Yes,' and we galloped off at right-angles to the road we had come by, to intercept the troops, who had travelled on slowly a mile or two ahead, I fell into my place, and the troop immediately halted.
"Captain Newland, hearing what Handley said, ordered the return of the troopers as quietly as possible, telling the men not to allow their sword scabbards to hit the stirrup irons, or otherwise make a noise. We were soon halted again behind the same ridge of sand-hills, but fully half a mile to the right of the hill with the graveyard. Three or four of the officers, with Captain Newland, here started off for the scene of our first discovery. I went with
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them, to hold their horses while they reconnoitred the country. After a good half hour they returned, and ordering up the troops, gave them orders to dismount and proceed down the slope, leading their horses, so as to keep as much as possible under cover. The men dismounted and about six or seven of them had gone over the ridge, when one of the Kai-Iwi trooper's carbines went off accidentally. I was at the moment holding six horses, and hearing the report and an order given to mount and charge, I became so excited that I let the horses escape, and found myself galloping after the troop over the ridge, in company with the late Sergeant Maxwell and three or four others. But I unfortunately came to grief, being stuck in the swamp, and it was some time before I was able to get out and follow on. Eight Maoris were killed in the charge made. I saw three of them killed, and one I fired at, but missed, as he was running in front of my horse. This man I think was afterwards killed, as I saw him on the ground after the charge, and recognised him by his tattoo marks. The natives then swarmed out of their pa against us. Some of our men were eager to rush the pa, for which our force was, of course, totally inadequate, and they were only restrained by the peremptory orders that had been given to retire."
It was during the Hon. Mr. Bryce's term of office as Minister for Native Affairs, in 1881, that the Parihaka troubles commenced. Ever since the suspension of hostilities, the natives of the West Coast had passively resisted the occupation of the lands confiscated as a punishment for their participation in the rebellion; but it was not until the year mentioned that any danger to the settlers was apprehended by the authorities. Te Whiti, a Maori tohunga possessing great influence, had collected a large assemblage of natives at his pa at Parihaka, near Mount Egmont, and did not hesitate to demand back the confiscated lands. Fully 1600 natives were collected at the pa, including many fanatics; and at last, after they had ploughed up the settlers' grass lands, and ordered them off their farms, there seemed every chance of a rupture. Mr. Bryce had been too great a sufferer himself during the war, to be further trifled with on this occasion, and determined on collecting a force, which would at once awe them into submission and save bloodshed. To effect this, he got together the Armed Constabulary of the colony, and calling upon the volunteer companies, Lieutenant Bennett, formerly of the Thames Navals, but then residing in Wellington, was the first to respond to to the call, by getting together one hundred men within twenty-four hours, and offering their services to the Government, which they gladly accepted; and, promoting Lieutenant Bennett to the rank of captain, dispatched him with his men for the seat of action that same evening. This was followed by a general volunteering throughout the North Island, as in the meantime the lamented Miss Dobie was foully murdered near Opunake by a native named Tuhi, and the public mind was in fever heat over the occurrence; while the Government of the day were determined to carry out the Native Minister's scheme, of
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giving the Maoris a last salutary lesson, despite Sir Arthur Gordon's disapproval.
On the 30th of October, the roll, showing the strength of all arms, including the Armed Constabulary, collected at the various redoubts on the plains, were:--Pungarehu, 540; Rahotu, 250; Opunake, 119; Manaia Cavalry, 50; Armed Constabulary, 40. There were also on the march the Nelson volunteers (205), Wanganui volunteers (120), and Thames force (160), making a total of 1517 effective men, under the command of Colonel Roberts and a staff of officers, all of whom had seen good service.
The different contingents were now gradually moved forward to the level plains of Rahotu--the muster ground. It was some few days before the order was given to march onwards to Parihaka, owing to the inefficiency of camp equipage, want of tents, and even of ammunition. Luckily for the forces the weather continued fine, and on the evening the commanding officer's parade took place it was bright moonlight, showing Mount Egmont with its snow-capped tower, rising far above the few clouds discernible, with all its grandeur and beauty. The men were quickly brigaded together, told off in companies, served with ball cartridge, and in light marching order were minutely inspected. There were then on the ground 1300 colonial troops, well drilled, splendid shots, and eager to settle once and for ever the Maori question of supremacy. The men were cool and collected, and every word of command was distinctly heard. A finer body of colonial troops had never been got together. After the rations were served out for the morrow, the men were dismissed to their tents, with orders that no one was to pass the lines.
At 2 a.m. the following morning the camp was raised, and two hours after the 1300 men were in full march to Parihaka. Great care was taken to prevent surprise, as it was not by any means known at that moment whether the Maoris intended fighting or otherwise; nor was the fact ascertained until the stronghold was actually in our possession. Pungarehu Redoubt was safely passed, ere the separate divisions debouched off to surround the village. About 6 o'clock a.m. Parihaka was reached, and, the advance being sounded, the Armed Constabulary moved cautiously along at the double from stump to tree, in admirable skirmishing order, until the village was surrounded at pretty close quarters; every hill and dell round the pa being covered with armed men, waiting to hear the first shot fired,--the sign that the strife had begun. But it was not to be. Te Whiti, who had, no doubt, been informed of the effective force surrounding him, and the determined character of the men he had to deal with, decided on a nonbelligerent policy. As I before observed, the village was surrounded with a precision and orderly advance creditable to any force, being as well handled, and with as little noise, as might be expected. But what might have turned out a disastrous movement, had fighting began, was the position of some of the contingents. These men, being marched through the entrance of
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the village to the rear, completed the cordon, but were in consequence exposed to the cross-fire of our own men. As they entered the village they were met by a body of young native girls, singing their songs of welcome, while the older women cursed them heartily.
The cordon being now complete, and no possibility of escape left, a body of the Armed Constabulary, under the command of Major Tuke and Captains Gudgeon and Newall, entered the mare (or sacred square), and in the name of the Queen called upon Te Whiti to surrender. The old prophet replied, "I am here if you want me; walk over my young men's bodies," he being surrounded by Maoris lying on the ground all round him. The gallant Major hesitated not, but picking his steps between the natives, arrested the prophet, and sent him out with an escort. The grand old chief Tohu then gave himself up, together with several others. Major Tuke's work was not as yet complete, for it had been mooted abroad that Hiroki, the murderer of a man named McLean, was amongst them. Major Tuke loudly called out the murderer's name, and on the fourth call a native jumped up. He seemed to rise mechanically, and, finding his mistake, was quietly settling down again, hoping he had not been noticed, when the escort pounced upon him, handcuffed him, and marched him off. This man's presence had been denied by the natives. The capture gave universal satisfaction, not only to the Europeans but to the better disposed Maoris, who would not tolerate murder. He was soon after tried for the murder, found guilty, and executed; showing to the Maoris that the Queen's warrant will eventually be served, if not at the moment. A large number of natives who refused to disperse were incarcerated.
Although the press cast some ridicule on the Defence Minister's presence while his plans were in operation, there can be but one mind as to his success, as it probably saved the colony many thousands, and the lives of many, both pakehas and Maoris; for, had it not been for the overwhelming force brought against them, the Maoris would most undoubtedly have fought, and probably might have been nearly exterminated. Consequently it was an anxious time for Mr. Bryce, for had only one rifle gone off by accident in the mare, it would have been followed by a general fusillade, which would soon have reduced the village to a shamble.
The Government of New Zealand have in many instances shown a niggardly spirit towards the volunteers. This was the case again at Parihaka. No sooner was the danger over than the Government treated the men with tinted justice (forgetful of the sacrifice many of them had made in leaving their employment to serve their country) by dismissing them then and there, causing many officers and men to retire in disgust--a "penny wise and pound foolish" policy, which will be remembered should they ever be again called upon.
The demonstration was brought to a close by a general return of all the volunteers to their respective districts, the Armed
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Constabulary alone remaining for the purpose of preventing a return of the natives to Parihaka, who had been sent back to their own kiangas. Te Whiti, Tohu, and Titokowaru were tried, found guilty of assembling unlawfully, and confined as State prisoners during the Governor's pleasure. They were released shortly afterwards, and no further trouble worth speaking of was occasioned, showing the utility of Mr. Bryce's iron-handed policy.
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CAPT. A.B. TURNER.
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CAPT. A.B. TURNER.
The attack on Kennedy's farm--Fighting on the East Coast--Decisive victory at Te Rangi--Incidents of the fight--Various skirmishes--Pursuit of Te Kooti.
CAPTAIN TURNER, of Tauranga, the third son of Colonel C.B. Turner, K.H. (Knight of Hanover), one of the Duke of Wellington's old veterans, was educated in Canada as a civil engineer; and, when the Canadian Government arranged the active militia force, he was appointed an ensign in Brocknell's Rifles, which rank he held until 1861, when he resigned his commission, in consequence of his intention of proceeding to Auckland, where he arrived in August, 1862.
Upon the breaking out of the war in that district in 1863, he was appointed a sub-inspector in the Colonial Mounted Defence Force, under the command of Colonel Nixon, and was sent on detachment to St. John's Redoubt at Papatoitoi, for the purpose of patrolling in the vicinity of the forest. When at this post he was suddenly ordered to Kennedy's farm, where the Maoris had killed two children and wounded another; but he arrived too late, the natives having fled.
After the battle of Rangiriri, he was ordered to join headquarters at Ngaruawahia, and captured a spy in the guise of a Maori postman. He was then sent on to Papakura, to take charge of the depot, and remained in charge until headquarters returned.
On the 30th April he received orders to embark at Auckland for Tauranga; marched all night, and next morning was on board the transport steamer Alexandra, with a detachment of artillery under Colonel Barstow. The sudden movement was in consequence of the disaster at the Gate Pa. He arrived at Tauranga on the 1st May, just after the killed had been buried, and found there the 68th, 43rd, and part of the 3rd Waikato Regiments, the Flying Column, and Royal Artillery. Shortly after his arrival, he marched, under Sir Duncan Cameron, out to attack the Potorifi Pa, on the Wairoa river, but found it empty. A military post was established here, but abandoned on the arrival of Sir George Grey; when General Cameron left for Auckland, and Colonel Greer, of the 68th, took command.
On the 20th June, 1864, Captain Turner was ordered to reconnoitre the country beyond the Gate Pa, with three troopers only, so as
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not to attract the notice of the enemy. He returned late in the afternoon, reporting a large number of natives near the Waimapu river, transporting supplies. This resulted in an order being given after tattoo for a march out in the morning, consisting of Artillery, portions of the 68th, 43rd, and 1st Waikato Regiments, Flying Column, and Mounted Colonial Defence Force, the whole under Colonel Greer, who had not proceeded above a mile-and-a-half beyond the Gate Pa when the videttes were fired upon. But they soon drove in the enemy's picquets to the Te Rangi trenches, where the natives had made extensive earthworks. The Artillery, with one Armstrong gun, was placed on the rise in front of the trenches; two companies of the 43rd flanked the right (a very awkward position in heavy fern on the slope of a gully); the Mounted Force dismounted and flanked the left, until relieved by a company of the 68th; while the remaining portion of the 68th and 43rd, supported by the 1st Waikato Regiment, formed the attacking party. The Armstrong gun was shortly after removed to flank the trenches on the left, where it did good execution. In the middle of the fight a dog belonging to the Artillery was wounded while lying under the gun, and howled fearfully. The fight had lasted about three hours, when the advance was sounded, and a gallant charge was made, without a waver, against a most galling fire, and the affair was soon brought to a close, the enemy being completely routed. The natives suffered heavily, having 152 killed, besides those who fell in the swamps, and whose bodies were never recovered. Their loss in wounded was large. Our loss was ten killed and thirty-five wounded. In charging across the rifle-pits Captain Turner's horse fell with him into the earthworks, but he soon remounted. The natives here fought well, meeting the bayonet with their spears. Several acts of individual bravery were displayed in this engagement, and mentioned in Colonel Greer's despatches. One was omitted, where a Maori in close quarters was in the act of shooting an artillery sergeant, when Sergeant Charles, of the Mounted Defence Force, rode at him, and cut the back of his head clean off, thereby saving the life of the artilleryman. Here it was, also, that Rawiri, the native general, was killed, and a noble fellow he was; he was shot down by one of the mounted men. When I say Rawiri was a noble savage, I speak not so much in praise of his undoubted pluck as for his humane feelings; he having issued the order that, when Europeans were wounded or taken prisoners, they were to be well treated. This order was strictly carried out at the taking of the Gate Pa, when Colonel Booth, of the 43rd, and other wounded men were in the pa all night as prisoners, and were well treated by the natives.
Rawiri was buried with the others in their own trenches, and was the only one encased in a blanket. Some years later his body was exhumed by the Ngaiterangi tribe and buried in the cemetery, next the Europeans who fell at Te Rangi and the Gate Pa, the natives inviting Captain Turner to be one of the pall-bearers, as he
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was captain of the mounted men who had killed him. The captain accepted the compliment. After the fight at Te Rangi, Captain Turner was transferred to the 1st Waikato Regiment at Tauranga, and affairs remained in statu quo until the latter end of 1866, when the natives again began to be troublesome, first burning Captain Tovey's house down, next murdering a settler named Campbell, who had gone to cultivate his land; and as the natives had again collected in large numbers, it was thought advisable to disperse them. An outpost was accordingly established at Omanawa, about nine miles from Tauranga. Soon after a portion of the detachment under Captain Goldsmith (in reconnoitring) were suddenly attacked near Irihanga, and in the skirmish Sergeant-Major Emus was mortally wounded. It was then decided to attack their stronghold in force, and the 1st Waikatos and volunteer engineers were ordered to Captain Tovey's farm under Colonel Harrington. They crossed the Wairoa river at sundown on the evening of the 22nd January. Marching all night, they arrived at Irihanga at sunrise, and after a sharp defence the pa was captured; but the force being much annoyed at the enemy firing volleys from the edge of the forest, Captain Turner called for volunteers, who joined him quickly from the different companies and Volunteer Engineers, and having fixed bayonets, they, under a heavy fire, made a charge into the forest and took possession of the enemy's position. For this and other services Captain Turner was mentioned in dispatches and highly complimented in orders.
After this the force proceeded through the forest to the Whatawhata pa, and found it abandoned. Shortly after arriving there the 12th Regiment, who were acting as a moral support, were seen coming from the direction of Minden Peak. After burning down the settlement the force returned through the forest to attack Whakamarama, where the enemy had gathered in force, and quickly drove them out of their settlement some distance into the forest, returning to camp at 9 p.m., after a heavy day's work and the loss of two killed and several wounded. Captain Mair during the day had his horse shot under him.
It was supposed that after this the Maoris would remain quiet; but such not being the case, another expedition to the same place was made on the 15th February, and again the force lost two men and a number of wounded, remaining in possession for some days destroying crops, etc. The next action fought was at Akiaki, where, after a night march, the force attacked the pa and routed the enemy, having several men wounded but none killed. The natives in these skirmishes lost twenty-one killed, besides the wounded. Fighting then ceased in this district, the natives having retired into the interior, the blockhouse erected and garrisoned near the bush at Pye's pa having had a salutary effect upon them.
Nothing further of importance occurred until the end of 1869, when Te Kooti was at large on the warpath. Colonel McDonnell having followed him to Tapapa, a portion of the Armed Con-
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stabulary were instructed to go to Rotorua to try and intercept him, and Colonel Fraser, who commanded at Tauranga, applied for Captain Turner to join his staff, which he did, and two hours after was on his road to Rotorua, marching through the almost impenetrable forest for two days. It was hard work indeed, and proved to be Colonel Fraser's last march, as this gallant officer died shortly after of fever. Captain Turner was then appointed to the command of the East Coast Native Contingent, and returned to Akiaki. Here Te Kooti's advance guard laid an ambuscade, and, firing a volley, killed two of the Native Contingent and one Armed Constabulary man. After firing they retreated quickly to the bush, but the force succeeded in taking a prisoner. Captain Crapp here had a narrow escape, as the two natives shot were standing on either side of him.
On reconnoitring next day the force came upon Te Kooti's abandoned camp, some of his fires being still smouldering, which convinced them that he had taken the road to Rotorua. While on the march up the Waimana orders were sent for the force to return, and the Native Contingent being disbanded, Captain Turner sheathed his sword and returned to his civil duties.
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THE HON. J. BALLANCE.
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THE HON. J. BALLANCE.
THE HONOURABLE JOHN BALLANCE, in the early days of the settlement of Wanganui, started a paper in the district, which, I believe, was one of the first dailies of the North Island. It was called the Wanganui Herald. It was conducted so successfully that it soon became a paper of considerable circulation. Mr. Ballance had the gift of not only writing a good article himself, but of making his paper so interesting that his journal was sought for far and near. At the beginning of hostilities in 1868, on the West Coast, martial law was proclaimed, and every available man called upon to volunteer for service, or to join the militia. Mr. Ballance at once called a meeting, and the Wanganui Volunteer Cavalry Corps was formed, in which he enrolled himself a member; but before the services of the corps had been gazetted an order had gone forth from the commanding officer of the district, calling on all the inhabitants capable of bearing arms to enrol themselves in the militia. Mr. Ballance, among others, demurred to serving both as a volunteer and a militiaman, and sent a letter to the commander of the district, protesting against what he termed a tyrannical and senseless order. The result was that a picquet was sent to arrest him, and he was lodged in the guard-room, but was immediately released without conditions. Mr. Ballance was shortly after elected cornet of the corps, which rendered distinguished service throughout the war. The most graphic accounts of the operations on the coast proceeded from his pen, and it was while doing duty as officer of cavalry and correspondent of his paper that he formed a lasting friendship with Colonel (now Sir George) Whitmore, both of whom were, ten years later, members of the same Cabinet. Towards the end of the war, Mr. Ballance fell foul of the Government, in consequence of an article violently attacking them for incapacity, which he was supposed to have written. His Commission as cornet in the corps which he had raised, and
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which he had materially assisted to gain a colonial reputation, was cancelled without inquiry, and on no better evidence than mere suspicion that he was the author of the obnoxious article. In 1875, Mr. Ballance was elected a member of the House of Representatives for Rangitikei, and in 1878, he joined the Grey Ministry, holding the portfolios of Colonial Treasurer and Minister of Education until, through a difference of opinion with the Premier, he resigned in 1879. At the general election of the same year he defeated Sir William Fox at Wanganui, but was himself defeated in 1881, regaining his seat, however, by an overwhelming majority, on the appeal to the country by the Atkinson Ministry in 1884. Upon the formation of the Stout Ministry, Mr. Ballance was asked to join, and at present holds the important portfolios of Native Affairs, Lands, Immigration, and Defence.
The Honourable John Ballance has, during his term of office, introduced and inaugurated the Village Farm Settlement Scheme of perpetual leases, thereby inducing the unemployed to turn their attention to the cultivation of the land, the true source of wealth in all new countries, and relieve the townships of their presence. These Village Settlements he has established in various parts of the North Island, and already upwards of a thousand persons have been located thereon, leaving it entirely to their industry to secure a happy and permanent homestead.
C.W. BROUGHTON.
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C.W. BROUGHTON.
Recovery of Captain Lloyd's head--The skirmish at Nukumaru--Treacherously murdered in a Maori pa.
CHARLES WILLIAM BROUGHTON arrived in New Zealand in January, 1852, and during the early years of the colony carried on considerable business relations with the natives, his head-quarters during the grain season being at Marahowai, a settlement in the upper Wanganui, and the residence of the celebrated old chief Topine Te Mamaku. He was afterwards in the service of the Provincial Government of Wellington as interpreter, and was attached in that capacity to the staff of the late Dr. Featherston, who was acting as Land Purchase Commissioner for the province, and assisted in the completion of the purchase of the Waitotara block, the original negotiations having been initiated by the late Sir Donald McLean, who paid to the natives the first instalment of the purchase-money. At the outbreak of the Taranaki war, in 1860, he was employed in various capacities by the Government, and, at very great personal risk, succeeded in interviewing the rebel natives and getting them to deliver up the head of the late Captain Lloyd, of Her Majesty's 57th Regiment, who had fallen in an attack made on the escort outside New Plymouth, and which was being carried about the country in a manner horrifying to Europeans, being used as a trophy to excite the unsettled natives to throw in their future with the rebels. For this service Mr. Broughton received a written testimonial from all the officers of the 57th Regiment, accompanied with a valuable silver cup (26th June, 1864), as a token of their appreciation of his gallantry and zeal in putting an end to what was felt to be a most deplorable exhibition.
At the outbreak of the war in Wanganui, Mr. Broughton joined, in his official capacity as interpreter, the Imperial forces under General Cameron, and accompanied them from Wanganui to Alexander and Peat's station, at Kai-Iwi, on the 3rd January, 1865, was present at the skirmish (24th January, 1865) at Nukumaru, where Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General Johnston and two privates were killed, and seven men wounded. He was present also on the 25th January, 1865, when the rebels attacked the British camp, and succeeded, under cover of smoke, having first fired the fern, in breaking through the advanced pickets of
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the troops, and charged up to within thirty yards of the General's tent before being repulsed and driven back. The British loss on this occasion was ten killed and two officers and eighteen men wounded. The native loss was supposed to be heavy, nine killed and three wounded being brought into camp. He accompanied the forces to Patea, and was present at the action at Te Ngaio, when the natives, who met the troops in the open, suffered heavily, being thrown back in disorder, and their pa at Kakaramea taken and occupied by the Imperial troops. He was with the forces during their continued advance through Ketemarae and Manawapo until reaching Wairongora, and remained in the field until the troops went into winter quarters. The campaign then languished, and the Government, wishing to circulate their terms of peace amongst the rebels, Broughton proceeded to the Wereroa, then held by a British detachment, and endeavoured through the medium of a friendly native named Kereti, to open communications with the hostile natives.
MURDER OF KERETI, OF MR. CHARLES BROUGHTON, AND OF TROOPER SMITH.
The Hauhaus on the West Coast having refused to receive the peace proclamation issued by His Excellency Sir George Grey, in 1865, it was found to be absolutely necessary, for the peace of the district, that they should be punished; for these tribes, taking advantage of the absence of colonial forces at Opotiki, had committed some very treacherous and barbarous murders. The first one was on a Wanganui Maori named Kereti, who had been attached to Brigadier Waddy's staff as native orderly. This man had been ordered to select some one among the Wereroa prisoners to carry the peace proclamation to the Ngarauru and Pakakohe tribes, a dangerous duty for anyone but a Hauhau to undertake. One of the prisoners, Tariu by name, was chosen, and he volunteered to do the work. Mr. C. Broughton, interpreter to the forces, approved of the choice, and warned Kereti not to proceed beyond the Wereroa, he being a Wanganui, and friendly to the Europeans. Kereti acknowledged that it would be unsafe to do so, and promised to remain at the Wereroa. On the 25th of September, he and Tariu started from Wanganui, and on the arrival at the redoubt Tariu was sent with the proclamation to the Putahi, while Kereti, forgetting Mr. Broughton's warning, proceeded on the same errand to the Ngarauru tribe. On reaching the village of Arei Ahi, he observed a strong party of Hauhaus, who were en route to waylay stragglers from the Wereroa. These men he avoided by hiding in the fern. After they had passed he went on to the Waitotara River, where he saw four women and a man named Rawiri on the opposite bank.
Kereti called to them and stated his errand, but was promptly informed that they would not consent to peace-making. He then asked them whether he was to return to the Wereroa. The women
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replied in the affirmative, but Rawiri said, "Return here tomorrow, and the tribes will then talk it over with you." Kereti very foolishly trusted to the good faith of a Hauhau, and on the following morning started to meet the tribe; but he did not go far, for the Hauhaus, expecting him, had an ambuscade laid on the edge of the Karaka plateau, within sight of the Wereroa, and their first volley mortally wounded him. He fell, and was immediately stripped of his valuables, but, strange to say, was not tomahawked. The garrison of the redoubt saw the volley fired, and hastened to his assistance. They found him dying, and carried him to the camp, where he lived sufficiently long to make a statement to Mr. C. Broughton.
Even the ex-Hauhau Tariu was not well received, for the people of the Putahi refused to receive the proclamations, and kept him a prisoner for some days. Eventually he was allowed to depart; but his chief and relation, Hare Tipene, warned him to return by the sea coast, not by the track he had used previously, as ambuscades were lying in wait for him.
The treacherous disposition shown by these tribes ought henceforth to have been a warning to those people inclined to trust themselves to Maori honour. But such was not the case, as will be seen. On the 26th of September, a letter, signed by some Patea Hauhaus, was sent in to one of the redoubts. It contained a request that some person acquainted with the Maori language might be sent to confer with them on the proclamations which had reached them by the agency of Tariu. On receipt of this letter, Brigadier Waddy ordered Mr. C. Broughton to proceed to Kakaramea and communicate with the rebels. No time was lost, and, on the 30th, Broughton and a Maori assessor from Wanganui, escorted by ten soldiers, left the Kakaramea Redoubt, and proceeded in the direction of Otoia. Their flag of truce was seen, and a few Hauhaus went out to meet them, and invited them to enter the pa. This Mr. Broughton very properly refused to do, but proposed that the meeting should be held midway between their respective strongholds. The Maoris would not agree to this very reasonable request, and Mr. Broughton returned to the redoubt. On the following morning he went to the meeting-place of the previous day, and after hoisting the flag was met by three Hauhaus. One of them had been Mr. Broughton's servant some years previously, and now tried hard to persuade his former master to enter the pa, assuring him that he would be safe. Wi Pukapuka, the assessor, tried equally hard to prevent it, saying that treachery was intended, and absolutely refused to go a step further himself.
Mr. Broughton unfortunately trusted his old servant, and went on to the pa, while his companions returned to Kakaramea, feeling that they had seen the last of him. Of the tragedy that ensued there is no really authentic account, but the following statement made by an eye-witness, who belonged to another tribe, is probably true:--When Ruka and Broughton entered the pa, they
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found the tribe assembled; but instead of the loud welcome of "Haere mai! Haere mai!" usual in such cases, they were received in dead silence. As they entered the gate, Broughton saluted the Hauhaus, but received no reply, and saw, when too late, that his fate was sealed. He sat down for a few moments amidst the dead silence, and then, probably to hide his feelings, took out his pipe, walked towards the fire and began to light it. While thus engaged a native shot him through the back, and he fell partly upon the embers, where he writhed in agony until they dragged him off the fire and threw him over the cliff into the Patea River. Thus far the peace proclamations had caused two barbarous murders. The Ngarauru Pakakohe tribes having in this manner shown their desire for war, the people of Tangahoe and Ngati-tupaea evinced the same spirit, for, on the 4th of October, five troopers of the military train fell into an ambush on the main road between Manawapou and Te Hawera. Two of their horses were shot. Trooper Smith, unable to move, his horse having fallen on him, was tomahawked; but his comrade escaped, after knocking down a Hauhau who tried to stop him.
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RENATA KAWEPO.
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RENATA KAWEPO.
A genuine friend of the pakeha--Gallant services on the East Coast--A tussle for life.
RENATA KAWEPO, a well-known chief of Hawke's Bay, took a prominent part on the side of law and order during the disturbances on the East Coast, and distinguished himself on several occasions by his personal prowess. In the same spirit in which he afterwards refused to offer himself for the House of Representatives and declined a seat in the Legislative Council, he took the field as a volunteer with his people. The proffered rank of major had no charms for him, as he was conscious that no mere creation of the kind could add to his influence or dignity as chief of his tribe. Renata's first service on our side was in the attack upon Omarunui (Hawke's Bay), where, under command of Whitmore, he led the Ngatiteupokoiri into the thick of the fight. The enemy was completely routed and defeated. For his services on this occasion Renata, who refused pay, received from Mr. Superintendent (afterwards Sir Donald) McLean a presentation sword. He afterwards went to Wairoa and took part in the fighting against the Hauhaus there, and subsequently at Turanganui. On the voyage to the latter place the people had suffered severely from sea-sickness. Hapuku counselled delay, to "give the young men time to recover." Renata insisted on immediate action, saying that was the best cure. They accordingly marched the same night, and Patutahi was attacked and captured at daybreak. He took part in the successful attack on Te Karetu, and was present at the subsequent operations against Ngatapa. When afterwards, at Tarawera, Colonel Whitmore called for a storming party against Te Waiparati, Renata Kawepo was the first man to volunteer. It was found, however, that the enemy had evacuated the place.
Renata's last performance was at Taupo, whither he had taken his people as "kupapas" (volunteers), under Colonel McDonnell, to fight against Te Kooti. After some skirmishing they attacked the Papakai pa simultaneously from three points, and then found that the enemy had retired on Porere. Without waiting to be attacked there, the Hauhaus came out, and a general fight ensued, the enemy suffering severe defeat. In the pursuit which followed there was much hand-to-hand fighting. Being well in front, and
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separated from his own people, Renata was attacked by a powerful Hauhau, and it became a trial of personal strength, each endeavouring to disarm the other. Whilst they thus struggled together on the ground the Hauhau's wife, like an enraged tigress, sprang upon Renata and gouged out his right eye with her sharp talons. She would have had the other eye also, but Renata, whose hands were engaged with the Hauhau under his knees, seized the woman's fingers between his teeth, and, biting them to the bone, held her firmly as in a vice. At this conjuncture Petera Rangiheuea, a Ngatiporou warrior, came up and "relieved all parties." By applying the muzzle of his rifle to the head of the unfortunate Hauhau, whom Renata held firmly down by the hair, with his face to the earth, he gave him his coup de grace. Renata was then taken to camp on a stretcher in an unconscious state, but recovered in time to prevent his people killing the woman who had come so gallantly to the rescue of her husband.
In consideration of the loss of his eye, and in recognition generally of his meritorious conduct, the Government bestowed on Renata a pension of one hundred a year. Being the owner of an extensive estate, and cultivating European tastes, the old chief now lives in comparative affluence at Omaha, about twelve miles from Napier.
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