THE LATE NEPIA TARATOA.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume III, Issue 3, 20 April 1863, Page 12

THE LATE NEPIA TARATOA.

Nepia Taratoa Maukiringntu was the son of Teteke, and Te Au of the Ngatiparewahawaha and Ngatiraukawa tribes. The home of his ancestors and himself was Maungatautari in the Upper Waikato, but being anxious

to procure some of ihe English goods shipped to New Zealand, he removed with his tribe, six hundred strong, lo Kapili, in Cook's Sirails, where he enjoyed personal intercourse with European coasters and traders, a privilege from which he was shut out at bis Waikalo setilemonts. As Tar as can be ascertained from other Maori occurrences, the deserion of Mdnngntnutari by Taratoa, took place about the year 1828. It must not be supposed, thai the endearing ties of brotherhood, in these early times, existed between the tribes of New Zealand; there was a spirit of rivalry amongst ihe various Chieftains, each vying with his neighbour in deeds of valour or cruelty. It is no marvel then, to find Taratoa levying an army against his more powerful neighbours the Waikalos, whose host of 10,000 he discomfited with a band of chosen warriors numbering sixty, headed by himself and the Ngapuhi Chiefs, Tawaewae and Rango. On the occasion, Pomare Whetoi, the famous Bay of Islands Chief, posted himself with 800 men at some distance from the scene of strife, but,their services were not required, for Taratoa and his few followers routed the Waikalos, killing a number of them, and amongst those who fled for their lives were the late Potalau Te Wherowhero, Te Hiakai, Te Kanawa, and Tukoreh.uand amongst the slain were the Chiefs Wharara and Te Pura Nepia Taratoa was the friend of Te Rauparaha, of Maori renown, who left his settlement at Kawhia for Cook's Sirails, having in fc view the same object as Taratoa, which has already been mentioned. There were many displays of personal prowess on the part of our laie friend, in his wars with the Ngalikahungunu and other tribes, on which it is unnecessary lo dwell; but though he was so brave, we are informed, he was chiefly distinguished for his unwavering adherence lo what he considered lo be right. In later limes, his kindliness of disposition manifested itself in various ways, which has endeared his memory lo his own countrymen and lo his European friends. The name of Nepia Taratoa Maukiringutu will long be remembered with feelings of esteem, for he was a firm friend of the old coasters and traders, of ihe Missionaries, and of ihe Government of the counlry. We feel much pleasure in publishing a letter from the relatives of the late Chief, by which it will be observed, that Nepia Taratoa died at his sell!emeut, Matahiwi, in ihe Rangi-tikei-district, on the 14th of January, 4805.

Letter from Aperahama and others. Malahiwi, Rangitibei, January 50,1865. To the^Go-vepnor. Father, salutations to you wbo represent Nepia Tarawa's coanteaance. He was separated from us on the 44th of January. father, here are we continuing the good works of your fate friend our Tatter, whose works were ever peaceful. Father, hearken lo this. The Ngatiraufcawa, numbering 300, .oaoie to see Nepia. European tgenUetnei?, 30 in number, and Tamihana, came, also lo bid- farewell to and ibey mourned and wept >vith lis. Hearken also. We are looking after our lands now that «n*r father has gone, so that when any trouble arise through other men in relation to our lands, you may understand our lehtlnutrits when we refer to you. This is another word to you. We will cling to you, so tbat you may be a father to us fatherless ones, and protect us, and take care of our lands and Rangitikei. Salutations. (Signed) • Aperalwm,), Tareti Taratoa, Erenora Taratoa, Horomona Torenii, Tetturuhuru, Tareta Taratoa, Nepia Maukiringutu, Moihi Tiwaewae, Winiata Taiaha.