A NOTED FIGHTING CHIEF.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1823, 7 May 1918, Page 3

A NOTED FIGHTING CHIEF.

THE LATE POROKORU PATAPU. The late Maori chief, Porokoru Patapu, who died at Putiki on Monday last, in his 81st year, was a man of prominence and influence among the natives of this, coast, and was onp, moreover, who illustrated the best virtues of the Maori race. He was a descendant of the same line as the famous fighting chiefs, the late Major Kemp (whose nephew he was), and Topia Turoa, and was their right hand man not only dnr,Lng the Maori Wars, but also afterwards in all matters affecting the interests of the Wanganui tribes. In the old troublous days he was one of the first to volunteer for service under Queen Victoria, joining the old Wanganui Volunteers in IBGO, under Captain (now Colonel) Porter. In 1865, when the Hauhaus came down the river to attack Wanganui, Porokoru joined the native contingent which met and defeated them on the island of Moutoa, near Ranana, and so saved the town and colonists fyom annihilation. After that for several years he saw a great, deal of fighting. He was present and look part in the engagements at Kukuraaru, Weraroa, Opotiki, ’and Whakaahurangi (under General Chute) in 1865, and at Puugarehu in 1866. In 1868 and 1869 he served in the Taranaki campaign against the rebel chief Titokowaru, and fought at Turuturu-nlokau/ and Te Ugutu-o-te-Manu. At the latter fight he won his- commission as lieutenant. Hardly was the Taranaki campaign over than he was off with the forces to Taupo, where operations were in' progress against the Hauhau chief, To Kooti, and took part in the battles at Taupapa and Poi’cre. Te Kooti was«ehased from Taupo to the Urewera country, where at the end yf 1869 a very arduous campaign resulted in his defeat, and where Porokoru fought at Waimana, Waioeka, and Maraetae. This ended the Maori wars, and afterwards he settled down in the Wanganui River districts, where he lived till his death. Porokoru always stood by the British, and was one of their staunchest friends. He was respected and trusted by native and pnkeha alike, and always selected when any responsible or dangerous duty had to be done, and though quiet and unassuming in manner, no braver man over breathed. He was given a military funeral on Sunday, the 7th Regiment providing the firing party.