Death of Tawhiao.

Manawatu Herald, 30 August 1894, Page 3

Death of Tawhiao.

P King Tawhiao, the Maori "monarch," died on Sunday at Parawera. Since Tawhiao's return from Eng* land in 1884 he had lived at Whatiwhatihoe and Pukekawa (near Mercer), and had some time ago established a new settlement at Parawera, just beyond the scene of the historic fight at Orakau thirty years age. Tv Tawhiao, the deceased pseudo-King's eldest son, a young man of good parts, died some years ago. Tawhiao was the victim of influenza, and leaves some children, besides several widows, for Tawhiao was not a monogamist. Tawhiao's ancestry and tribal connections rendered him probably the most illustrious Native chief in New. Zealand. His full name was Matutaera te Pukepuke te Pane Tv Karato te a Potatau te Wherowhero (Potatau II.) Tawhiao could trace his descent for some 20 generations baok to the pioneer chief of Hotunui, who came, aorosa to New Zealand in the historic canoe Tainui, from legendary fatherland, Hawaiiki, and landed at Kawhia. The deceased ohief belonged to the tribe of Ngatimahuta, and was allied to most of the other Waikato tribes. Tawhiao was born about the year 1825, so that he would be about 69 years of age at the time of his death. His father was the great Waikato chief Te Wherowhero, who was a celebrated cannibal warrior of days anterior to European settlement in NeV Zealand. Tawhiao was baptized by the name of Methusaleh, at Mangere, by the Rev. W. Burrows (who is living in Parnell.) Tawhiao remembered a European, Yen. Archdeacon Maunsell, coming to ask his father, Te Wherowhero, to sign the treaty of Waitangi in 1840. This was at Mangere, on the Manukau. Tawhiao leaves no son to succeed him. — Press Association. 'f About eleven or twelve years ago Foxton had the honor of entertaining the deceased " Monarch." It was .about the time he visited the confiscated territories in Waikato and then journeyed down the coast. He was entertained and lodged at the Motuiti pah and great was the * welcome given him by the natives. As an actof courtesy to the older chiefs resident here the Europeans decided 'to offer the compliment of a dinner to Tawhiao and subscriptions having been collected a banquet was laid in the Public Hall at which Mr Thynne, the then County Chairman prasidadUbaving- the •• Monarch " on his right hand. The scene was very exbilerating, the hall being densely crowded with Europeans and natives feasting side by side. The f monarch" on paying his

visit halted with his followers} soirie 200\ oh a piece of land near the I race course and when advised matters were reading they all marched slowly ifl; and at the Court-house . Corner ftere 1 pev^rially welcomed by the late Mr Kubinson and Messrs Cook and Thynne and after introductions were escorted by them to the hall. Tawhiao was not then a total abstainer and timing the wait to enter the hall this distinguished visitor appeared ill at ease and upon inquiry it was fouh'3 he th'oi.igh't he was suffering from a toothache. Fortunately a bottle of schiedam materially assisted to alleviate the inconvenience, and enabled the guest to enjoy his dinner. He spoke very pleasantly about the hospitality shown him. During his stay at Motuiti the Maoris exorcised liberal hospitality and as a result had a large number of visitors. After this Tawhiao left off strong drinks and made a Visit to England, but was unsuccessful in his mission. Since 1892 he has been in the receipt of a pension of £225 per annum. Thus has departed another link that bound us to the early history of the colony.]