A Notable Maori Chief.

Manawatu Herald, 24 March 1898, Page 2

A Notable Maori Chief.

Haimona Horoti, ohiefofthe Nga ti Pa tribe, whose death has been recorded was a notable old warrior. It will be in the recollection of old residents of Wanganui that the battle of Moutoa was fought on the Wanganui River. The Hauhaus were on their way to attack the outlying districts and town of Wanganui, and their passage was disputed by the friendly natives. After some heavy fighting the latter had to retire and the day was all but lost, when Haimona shouted " Here I fight and here I die." The brave stand of the chief inspired his followers, who rallied and headed by Haimona charged the Hauhaus, the latter being forced to give way. When an expeditionary force was sent to Opotilii to punish the murderers of Rev. Mr Volkner, Haimona was one oi the leaders and the pah was captured under a heavy fire, the European? under Major Brassey being stranded in a steamer on a sand spit. On the return of the contingent (which was under the command of Colonel Me Donnell) to Wanganui its services were required by Colonel Chute, and Haimona was chosen as being the most skilful in war to command the Kupapas, i c., all the friendly natives of Wanganui, Wangaehu, and Rangitikei. These natives acted separately from the native contingent which was sworn in under the Queen's regulations. The success of the friendlies, which is now a matter of history, was in no small measure due to the bravery displayed by Haimona, who never failed to respond to the call of duly. All through General Chute's memorable march round Mount Egmont Flaimona wa3 always in the front. During the time Colonel McDonnell had command on the West Cos f , Haimona was one of the prominent figures ; and in 1868, when the town of Wanganui was threatened by Titokowaru, Haimona and his followers responded nobly to the call to defend the homes of the Europeans ; In 1869, when Te Kooti caused a good deal of trouble, Haimona and his men gave their influence and services in subduing the enemy and restoring peace, which had not existed for nine years previously, Colonel McDonnell, who fought; side by side with Haimona in many a conflict, speaks in the [ highest terms of praise of the gallantry of the old native chief. The Government of the day recognised Haimona's valuable services, and granted him a pension of £50 per year. This was afterwards reduced to £80, and subsequently the amount was still further cut down to a paltry £10 per year, and that when Haimona was fully 70 years of age. The old chief, until recently, was a familiar figure in Wanganui, where he could be seen walking about the streets in ragged garments. Representations were quite recently made to the Government on his be« half by Colonel McDonnell, Mr S. H. Mauson, and Mr John Handley, and the old fellow's pension increased. — Herald.