TE WHEROWHERO.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume II, Issue 8, 30 August 1856, Page 12

TE WHEROWHERO.

Te Wherowhero Potatau Tawhiao, is the principal Chief of Waikato, and is famous in Maori history for the extensive knowledge he possesses of the literature of his country, personal prowess, and oratorical powers. ' The father of this celebrated Chieftain was Te Kauangangvi; his mother's name was Te Parengaope of the Ngatikonra tribe, and her father was a member of the NgaCiraahuta, which appellation is borne by the faniilv or tribe of our respected friend.

Te Wherowhero was born at Motuiri in the interior or Waikato, and was the eldest son of an interesting family. His sisters were Tiaho and Tiki ; and his brothers Turn and Kati, all of whom have been consigned to the grave. The last named person died a few years ago deeply regretted by all the Waikato people, and bis remains were deposited in the family cemetery at Mangere on the Manakau Harbor. The following lament was composed by his wife Towha, a Chieftainess of Ngaitawake, Bay of Islands, in commemoration of the mournful event. See the great stars Alutahi and Marebua, At their bidding all the lesser stars shine forth. Let the winds sweep across the Mount of Mangere, But he was borne away by the airs of the sea. Lo, my betrothed, beautiful to look upon Even as a long-winged albatross, Is taking his departure—O my people! Towards the Western sky. My choicest feather which adorned my brow, Is laken from me. He was far lifted up Even to the heavens where the AI might v dwells. b J ♦He was not as man, but far more lovely; He was as the choicest precious stone Caught up to the great dwelling of the Ruler. ♦ I saw the lightnings glare upon the heights of Taupiri Where the thousands of thy people sleep. They sleep upon the plains of Tangirau; Whilst thou, O father, and thy babes sleep here. Not the least interesting portion of this great warrior's history is the fact that he has laid aside the baitle-axe and spear, and exerts his influence to promote peace among his people. He has just returned from a tour through the Waikato district, and happily effected the settlement of numerous differences, some of which have long existed among the tribes. The feelings of Te Wherowhero towards the Governor of the Colony is of a most friendly character, and there appears to he the greatest desire on his part to conduct himself so as to insure the continued friendship of the Europeans generally. When very much harrassed by a neighbouring Chief, and templed to avenge an act of defiance, he was restrained from giving way to his excited passions by calling to mind the

advice of a European friend. "It Is your word", said Te Wherowhero, " thai has kept me tbus long; but for that I should have been wicked towards -——" The present residence of Te Wherowhero is at Mangere a few miles from Auckland. His valuable estate there be holds by a Grant from tbe Crown. The following are some of the Waikato tribes, —who can furnish, men as per figures:—

There are other tribes not here enumerated.

Ngatimaniapoto . • • 800 Ngalibaua. . • • • 800 Ngatiapakura. . • • 400 Ngatiruru. . . • • 200 Ngalihinetu • • • • 2,0 Ngatitahinga ) 600 Ngaiiroahinga f • • Ngatipou . . . • • 400 Ngatitipa » 300 Ngatinaho J • • Ngatiwbauroa ) 300 Ngatitamainu J • • Ngatimariu . . 200 Ngatiteata. . • • • 200 Ngaiitamaoho. . 400 Ngatiriutoto . . • • 200