DEATH OF A FRIENDLY CHIEF.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1306, 10 April 1883, Page 2

DEATH OF A FRIENDLY CHIEF.

Tamahana Ruatapu, a Chief of the Ngatimarous Tribe, has, after living more than the usual number of years allotted to man, joined the great majority. Tamahana, during the troubles of 1868, proved himself to be a staunch and loyal friend to the Pakeha, and by every possible means sought to prevent the terrible and cruel massacre which thrilled the breasts of all the world with horror. He warned the settlers of their impending fate, and in fact there are not a few who owe their lives, and the lives of their wives and families, to his exertions on their behalf. He was the man who cautioned Major Biggs not to supply his tribe with arms, as they were at heart Hauhaus, and might at any moment turn upon the whites. A largely attended tangi was held yesterday at Pakiriklri, where he died, at which there was a large assemblage of Europeans, who were desirous of doing honor to the memory of one who had so befriended them. From statements made to ue by people now living here and who owe their existence to this faithful old Native, the mark of respect on the part of the Europeans is well deserved.