MAKOARE TE TAONUI.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume II, Issue 15, 16 December 1862, Page 6

MAKOARE TE TAONUI.

Our readers will find on another page a notice of the demise of the venerable chief Makoare Te Taonui, which event look place at Hokianga, on the 20th of September, 1862. We publish a letter on the same subject from the late chieftain's son, A per ah ama Te Taonui, a man of superior mind, and deservedly respected by both Europeans and Maori. He and bis late father were amongst the foremost to welcome to the shores of New Zealand the first Governor, Captain Hobson. and during the war in the North in 1846, they, in conjunction with their relative Tamali Waka Nene, rendered valuable aid to the Government. " Aperabama was severely wounded by the enemy, which so weakened his constitution as to unfit bim to perform the manual labour necessary for his support. Being an excellent accountant, and having a tolerable knowledge of the English language, he opened a school for half-caste children. In this capacity he gave satisfaction to the parents and guardians of his youthful charge, the children rapidly progressing under bis careful tuition; but owing to removals and other circumstances, his little establishment was broken up before it had a fair triai. Since then he has employed himself in instructing the youth of his native village, and has,, by his consistent and exemplary

conduct, secured the respect of all who know him." The following is the letter referred to UtakUra, Hokiunga, September 20, i 862. Friend the Governor,— Salutations. This is my word to you ; our father Makoare Taonui died this day, the 30th of September this year, and our reflections at this time are sad. No inan, perhaps, will rise up after him to occupy the position he held, and be so peacefully disposed. All the tribes of Hokianga spoke of him approvingly during the whole of his lifetime formerly [i.e., when a heathen], even unto the time when he embraced Christianity. This was his injunction immediately before he died, " Cling to the Europeans, to the Governor, and to the law, that these may be your protectors. Do not suppose that your ancestors were irresistible, not so ; but they sought out all the paths of thought r i.e., ascertained the real stale or affairs], whilst they dwelt in peace, or in times of peace, so that when evil came [i.e., war broke out], their plans were all devised r in consequence of which, it is now supposed that your forefathers were courageous or irresistible. "All other tribes used to lay their plans when hostilities, commenced, but they were overtaken and slain. " These things refer to olden limes." This is all he said [on this subject]. From your loving friend, Aperahama Taonvi.