A Pathetic Incident.

Manawatu Herald, 24 February 1894, Page 3

A Pathetic Incident.

From a Press Association telegram dated from Auckland, we learn that a .touching message which recalls the old days of the- Waikato war, when Rewi Maniapoto, the famous tighting chief ot the Ngatimaniapoto tribe, was arrayed in battle against the British troops, was received on Tuesday by Sir George Grey from Rewi. The old chief is at present lying very ill at his home on the banks of the Pnnui river, near Kihikihi, in the Waikato, and it is believed his death is not far off. Last night a Maori messenger arrived afc Sir George Grey's residence iv Par* nell, from Kihikihi, with a letter from Rewi. In this letter Rewi stated that he was nearing the end of his life, and expressed a wish that he and Sir Geo. Grey should be buried in the same grave. The translation is ; — " To Sir Geo. Grey. — Salutations ! We have now reached to the days of our forefathers. This is a word to let you know that you and I have reached old age together, and have lived to these days. This is my great word to you : Let us remain under one stone." Sir Geo. Gray was much touched by the message. He at first thought of writing to Rewi, but on Wednesday packed up and left Auckland by train for Waikato, in order to visit the chief at Kihikihi. Rewi is about 70 years of age.