THE LAST CANNIBAL MAORI.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1143, 3 April 1872, Page 3

THE LAST CANNIBAL MAORI.

Some features in the life of Taraia, whose death was announced in our telegraphic columns a few days ago, is given by the Ohinemuri correspondent of the Thames Advertiser. Writing on March 13, he says :— The death of the oldest native rangatira in New Zealand took place this morning at eight o'clock. The fact was loudly announced by a discharge of firearms. The event having been looked forward to for some time back, everything was in readiness. Nearly twenty tons of flour, two tons of biscuits, one ton of sugar, with bullocks, pigs, potatoes, and kumeraa ad lib., are on the pot for the tangi. Maoris from all parts of the island are invited, and are expected to oome to do honor to the memory of the departed great. Taraia was one of the most valiant of New Zealand's warriors, and quite a terror to antagonistic tribes. He must hare reached the age of 100 years, as he remembers when Captain Cook was at Hauraki, and other far back events, which it would require a centenarian to know anything of. His demise breads the link between the pure cannibal and the semi-civilised Maori of the present day. His man-eating proclivities were well known, and a subject on which he used to dilate with great feel* ing and gosto. It is stated, with what truth I do not know, that his favorite breakfast in his very savage days was a nice fat child, giving the preference to the female sex, Ever since British rule has been attempted to be established in New Zealand, he has been a staunch friend of the pakeha. Governor Browne, in writing, testified to his being a well(For continuation of Aews see 4th Page.

disposed and friendly Maori. He has been tTie recipient of Government bounty in ,the shape of a pension for a great many years. For months to come we shall have a continual stream of mourners crying and howling with apparent feeling for the loss they have sustained, but more in anticipation of the feed they are to have. The food to be wasted over the obsequies would be a godsend to many a half-starving family outside.