TARANAKI IN THE PAST.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 66, 14 April 1909, Page 4

TARANAKI IN THE PAST.

A (IKXEKOUS R>E. (UyUH.) In the year 18U0 1 was stationed at the 801 l llluik stuckude, as also was the late Captain Kveretl (who was thou scrg.'ant in Die Taranaki llililiu). IHniln.v, as was liis custom occasionally, Jin went tu have a limk at bin farm, which ■wins about one niiln from the stockade, While engaged at tin- back of the house lopping some acacia trees, he was surprised I>y a party of Ngatimaniapoto natives, fully armed (abom 15 or 10), led by a young chief named Aporo, Jleing engaged at liis work lie did not hoar or see tbem coming, and when be did they were only a few yards from liim. He held out liis band to tile leader, and said "telia koe." The leader told him in broken English to lay down Hie billliook, whereupon lie shook bands with him and asked him to give him tie' black satin neektie which lie wore, at the name time telling him in broken English that he did not want to kill him sin he was peacefully engaged working on liis farm ami mini-mod. and that he could go liaek to Hie sloi-kaile. which he was very glad to do. Tin- natives going into 'the house. When Captain Everett died, it was diseovered that V bad left Aporo 1100 in his will, which was dulv sent to him bv the late llajor l'arris. 'When Aporo got back to Alntnitawu the rebels there asked liim tvhv lie did mil kill Captain Everett. Aporo told them that the Waikalos did not tight like that,- as Captain Everett was working on his farm and unarmed. We went out after Captain Everett got baek, but we did nut see them. I might Ktate that this was the only occasion Hint Captain Everett went to his farm alone nnil unarmed. I think that be bad a very near squeak.