RAWIRI PUAHA.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume V, Issue 17, 15 October 1858, Page 5

RAWIRI PUAHA.

By the last overland mall from Wellington, we have received the melancholy intelligence of the death of Rawiri Puaha, a Chief of high rank and influence, whose dignified conduct and peaceful disposition caused him to be universally respected and esteemed by his fellow countrymen and by the Europeans who were acquainted with hira. Since the deaih of Te Rauparaha and Rangihaeata he has taken a prominent part in all matters of importance connected with the interests of the Ngatitoa tribe at Kapili as well as of those tribes residing in the Middle Island. Pualia—or as he is more properly called Rawiri Puaha—was born at Kawhia 4>n the West Coast, and was descended in a direct line from the principal family that migrated from Bawaiki many years ago in the famous canoe Tainui. The voyagers first sighted land at Whangaparaoa near the East Cape, and coasting along Northwards till they entered the Tamaki river, dragged their canoe across the Olahuhu portage, once more embarked on Ibe waters of the Manuka and sailing onwards touched at Kawhia, where they settled down, and their descendants have dwelt ever since. Little is known of his early history, but when the Waikato tribe under Te Hiakai invaded the Kawhia territory and compelled Te Rauparaha to retreat Southwards, Puaha, though related to the Ngatiteuru tribe, who being protected by the Ngatiinaniapoto were sate from aggression, joined the retiring party of Ngatitoa, and fell back to Taranaki. Being bard pressed by their elated pursuers, the Ngatitoa resolved to await them at Mimi, and a desperate battle ensued which ended in the defeat of the Waikato. They were repulsed with great slaughter; many Chiefs of note fell, including Hiakai the leader of the expedition, and Rauparaha was permitted to

retire unmolested to Kapiti, willi bis fol* lowers. Rgawiri Paaba took to wife Waitohi the daughter of T<> Pehi or tbe Ngatitoa tribe. This Cbier baying accompanied Te Rauparaha to Kaiapoi was eniiced into a pa and treacherously slain by the Ngaitahu tribe who were afterwards attacked and almost annihilated by the combined Ngaiitoa, Ngatirauawa, and Ngatiawa tribes to avenge bis death. By her he leaves one son named HoriKerei after the laie Governor Sir George Grey to whom Rawiri was much attached. His two brothers Te Kana and Hohepa still survive him. His efforts to prevent bloodshed at the unfortunate Wairau massacre, and his anxiety to effect a peaceable settlement of the disputed question which originated the affray, are well known matters of history; and his interference on subsequent occasions lo maintain peace between the two races has repeatedly been noticed. He was with Te Rauparaha when that Chief and his followers were captured by the boats of H. M. S, Driver and though his brothers were confined with their leader on board the " CaHope," Rawiri's well known character procured his immediate release. His health had been declining for many years past; and though for the most part appearing to take little interest in passing events, when any important question had to be discussed, the fire of the decaying warrior brightened up t and bis powers of oratory, the influence he possessed, and the prestige of bis reputation as a brave leader gave almost irresistible weight to bis opinion. He always acted in a calm decided, yet impartial manner in settling quarrels and disputes among his people, and maintained a high character as a con* sbtent and conscientious Christian. ■ Rawiri died on the 6th ult., at his own village, Takapuahia on the Porirua Harbour; and it highly gratifying to observe that notwithstanding the distance from Wellington a considerable number of his European friends attended bis remains to their resting place. About five hundred Natives were present, who after the funeral service had been read by the Rev. Riwai Te Abu, fired a farewell volley over the grave of their Chief.