TAMATI WAKATENE.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2655, 21 August 1871, Page 3

TAMATI WAKATENE.

Reference was made in the Governor’s speech to this chieftain, lately deceased, of whom the Indtpcndtnt gives the following biographical sketch : The first public service he rendered was on the occasl n of the signing of the treaty of Waita gi, when his po sonal influence was thrown into the scale, at a time of hesitation on the part of several chiefs to sign, and succeeded, in an admirable speech, in removing fcfc opposition which had been raised by other Members of his tribe, who locked upon, the treaty with suspicion. It was not, however, lj by confining himself to speeches that Tamati Waka showed that the,. allegiance lie lidd sworn tothe Queen wasnoshamrWhen Hone HekUrushed into open war, Tamati Waka rai ed his section of the JSgapulu and made common cause, with the Europeans. On every occasion he showed himself, whether acting solely with bis own men or in concert with - the troops, to be a most staunch, gallant, aild intelligent-ally. It is a matter of history that on move than one occasion the rejection of advice given by him at the moment of attack led to heavy, loss of life. Having helped in thoroughly establishing the supremacy of her Majesty in the borth, Taiiiati 1 Waka rested peaceably until the breaking out of the Waikato war stirred up the old warrior spirit in him, and he ottered to assist with his tribe if icquired, Eor several-years the old chief has gradually been declining in strength as age told upon him, hut still there was no quenching of the spirit within him, and At allusions to past i deeds and victories, lus eyes sparkled, and-the days of his youth Seemed to return. U was difficult for one not acquainted 1 'with 1 the past'history of the country, to imagine the bent old man who used to stroll about Auckland, warmly wrapp d up nra thick great coat, to be the sa-i.e who did more than any otji'er man to'establish jihe Queeu’g pflWPf IP these islands, ftml at wnosp bidding hundreds of uncivilised wai riors to< k up arms in h<T pause. With him the feeling of loyalty almost amounted to veneration, He bail been specially distinguished by Her Majesty. A. .large portrait of her adorned his room, and whatever he did, he always looked upon himself and talked of himself a thorough Queen’s man, A fie'eo warrior and able Councillor in ins youth, in hj s old age he had assumed the'mild and polished manners of a high brpd gentleman, though sometimes a spark of the old feeling was revived, when crossed or injured. His death, at the age of about ninety years, will be regietted by many an old settler, who remembers the worthy deeds of Tamati Wakatenc, Chief of the Ngapuhi. '