PENE TAUI.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 9, 1 December 1855, Page 12

PENE TAUI.

It is with feelings of deep regret that we record the death of the notable and deservedly respected Chieftain Pene Taui. During his brief illness a large body of Natives assembled at the Ohaeawai pa, many of whom surrounded the couch of their dying leader, eager to show their respect, and to hear his last commands. The parting words of a friend, when about to enter the unexplored regions of eternity, are generally treasured up in the memory of the weeping attendants ; and the New Zealander attaches soi much sacredness to the last injunctions of a departed relative, that he considers himself bound to carry them out, whether they be good or evil Happily, the advice of the Chieftain whose loss we mourn was of a character that warrants our strongly recommending it to the serious consideration of all the Ngapuhi Tribes. "Let the law of kindness prevail," said Pene Taui on his death bed, "and cas< away the evil usages) then that which is evil will have to travel ere it comes in contact with that which is good." The evident meaning of this is, that the possession and enjoyment of religion by the Native poople will effectually remedy the evils inherent in our nature, —a sentiment not only creditable to the head but to the heart of the departed one. The following is an extract from a letter addressed to the Resident Magistrate, Mr. Clendon, immediately after the demise of Pene Taui "The Ngatirangi numbering two hundred and fifty sat by him These men heard his words on the morning of the day he died. This was his wor 1 'Let the law of kindness prevail, and cast away the evil usages; then, that which is evil will have to travel, ere it comes in contact with that which is good.' When these words were ended, he fell asleep." The following will show that, although Pene Taui has been consigned to the cold grave, he is not forgotten:— Sire, Mr. Clendon," writes Mitai, "this is my sentence to you, regarding these words [ i. e. the

last words of Pene Taui] If these words should be printed, let soma copies be given to us Enough—the conclusion. "Salutations to you all, bearing in mind your affection for your loving friend Pene Tarn.'' The names of the tribes who attended on thb painful occasion, their Chiefs and number of men, we subjoin.

Pene Taui was the son of a warrior Chieftain named Tawhiao; he was far more previleged than his father, for during his youthful days he had the happiness to hear from the lips of the early Missionaries that Gospel which proclaims " peace on earth, good will toward men." The misrepresentations of designing persons seems to have had a baneful influence upon the mind of our departed friend, and marred the Christian instructions he received. # We learn that in 1845, Pene Taui took up his gun to fight for a phanton which he called his "liberty," whereas in reality, he had never been, that we are aware of, in . bondage to any man, or any foreign power. When the famous Hone Heke was wounded, the leadership of the rebel army was intrusted to Pene Taui, who distinguished himself in a variety of ways, worthy of a better cause. The whole arrangements of the Ohaeawai fortress were under his control, and he had command of the chief division of the Ruapekapeka But we forbear to dwell upon these matters ; it is painful to reflect that the natives were fighting at that time for they knew not what. Peue Taui became conscious of this after a while ; and upon the estab lishment of peaceful relations, he attached himself to the Europeans, and up to his death evinced the most friendly feelings towards them. Pene Taui was about 40 years old when he ex pired, tho' to a casual observer he appeared much younger. His figure was tall and robust, and his carriage dignified. Intelligence and amiability were visibly written on his countenance He was independent, brave, and affectionate. The command of the Great Apostle —> "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers,"—was in every sense of the world attended to by Pene Paui and his household. Of the religious experience of our lamented friend we know comparatively little; but we are hoping that the pastoral visits of the Rev. R Davis, Minister of the Church of England, were made an especial blessing to his soul. We are

hoping that he realized an interest in the adorable Redeemer, and that altl;o' the "earthly house of this tabernacle" was thus prematurely ''dissolved," he could say, by living faith, I "have a building of God ; an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." C. 0. Davis Auckland, December, 1855.

Tribes. Te Urikapana Ngatiwai Ngatihine Ngatirangi, Chiefs. Piripi Korongolii and Taipa Hikuwai Mailii Paraone Kawiti Tribe of the deceased Men 164 39 128 250 581