The Telephone. WITH WHICH INCORPORATED THE POVERTY BAY STANDARD. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 281, 8 November 1884, Page 2

The Telephone. WITH WHICH INCORPORATED THE POVERTY BAY STANDARD. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. GISBORNE, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8.

The Wairoa Guardian has the following upon the eccentric action of a once well-known loyal chief of Mohaka, Paora Rerepu (Flying Gun): —“ The poor old demented chief, Paora Rerepu, afforded a gorgeous spectacle to those who happened to be on Marine Parade yesterday morning. He suddenly made his appearance on the river bank near the Guardian office, resplendent in gala costume, consisting of a bright scarlet coat, , sky-blue knee breeches, and white stockings. On his head he had a gay yellow hat with parti-colored cockade, in which was also fixed a small ‘ Union Jack,’ like what you see stuck in wedding cakes, while in his hand he carried a red flag, which ever and anon he waved to and fro, amid excited gesticulations. After a preliminary flourish he addressed a fierce harangue to a party of imaginary Hauhaus on the opposite side of the river, whom he abused in good set terms. A small knot of spectators at North Clyde .stood aghast at such an unwonted apparition, thinking, perhaps, that his vehement denunciations were being hurled at them. However, this ferocious display did not last long, he suddenly subsided, like one of the intermittent geysers at the hot lakes, and, lowering his flag to the trail, marched down the road in the direction of his encampment.” In 'the early part of the year 1863, we well remember the old chief in full vigor of mind and body, surrounded by his tribe, the village in which they resided being a pattern of order and primitive comfort. By the united authority of Paora and his clerical colleague Rewi strict discipline was maintained throughout the village. No unseemly noises or sights meeting the ears or offending the eyes, as is too often the case in the present semicivilised state of Maori villages of the present day. When the King rebellion broke out in 1863, Paora extended his loyal protection to the few European settlers then resident on the banks of Mohaka. Many of these settlers and their families were afterwards murdered in cold blood by Te Kooti and his band. The pretty homes desolated, and destroyed. The bodies of men, women, and children left by the ruthless marauders to bleach in the sun unburied. This raid upon Mohaka was in 1869. Old Paora with but a few followers gallantly resisted the whole attack of TeKooti’s force upon his pah until relief arrived from Wairoa. Many of Paora’s people were killed, among whom were his own children and closest relations. There is no doubt it is a remembrance of these wrongs that rankles in the old chief’s mind, and led him to act as described by the Guardian and by the expressed intention of Te Kooti to re-visit the scene of his past ‘misdeeds. By late telegrams we sec that the Mohaka people are erecting pahs, fully prepared to meet Te Kooti in any but a friendly spirit. We are also'informed that Te Kooti has abandoned .his intention of visiting the East Coast, and we think wisely, as there are many here who cannot condone his crimes, and loss of those nearest and dear to them, and who could blame them for taking blood for blood.