DEATH OF TAMATI WAKA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 29, 12 August 1871, Page 15

DEATH OF TAMATI WAKA.

We regret to bear from Auckland of the death of the venerable chief Tamati Wakanene, of the Ngapuhi tribe, whose name has been so honorably connected with the early days of the

colony. The first public service he rendered was on the occasion of the signing of the treaty of Waitangi, when his personal influence was thrown into the scale, at a time of hesitation on the part of several chiefs to sign, and succeeded, in an admirable speech, in removing the opposition which had been raised by other members of his tribe, who looked upon the treaty with suspicion. It was not, however, by confining himself to speeches that Tamati Waka showed that the allegiance he had sworn to the Queen, was no sham. When Hone Heke rushed into open war, Tamati Waka raised his section of the Ngapuhi and made common cause with the Europeans. On every occasion he showed himself, whether acting solely with his own men or in concert with the troops, to be a most staunch, gallant, and intelligent ally. It is a matter of history that on more than one occasion the rejection of advice given by him at the moment of attack led to heavy loss of life. Having helped in thoroughly establishing the supremacy of her Majesty in the North, Tamati Waka rested peaceably until the breaking out of the Waikato war stirred up the old warrior spirit in him, and he offered to assist with his tribe if required. For several years the old chief has gradually been declining in strength as age told upon him, but still there was no quenching of the spirit within him, and at allusions to past deeds and victories, his eyes sparkled, and the days of his youth seemed to return. It was difficult for one not acquainted with the past history of the country, to imagine the bent old man who used to stroll about Auckland, warmly wrapped up in a thick great coat, to be the same who did more than any other man to establish the Queen’s power in these islands, and at whose, bidding hundreds of uncivilised warriors took up arms in her cause. With him the feeling of loyalty almost amounted to veneration. He had been specially distinguished by Her Majesty. A large portrait of her adorned his room, and whatever he did, he always looked upon himself and talked of himself as a thorough Queen’s man.

A fierce warrior and able councillor in his youth, in his old age he had assumed the mild and polished manners of a high-bred gentleman, though sometimes a spark of the old feeling was revived, when crossed or injured. His death, at the age of about ninety years, will be regretted by many an old settler, who remembers the worthy deeds of Tamati Chief of the Ngapuhi. .