TAMATI WAKA NEN

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 80, 5 April 1927, Page 8

TAMATI WAKA NEN

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I read with much interest tin article in Saturday' 3 "Post" on this great chief and gentleman, as it recalled memories of my early days in New Zealand. Some time in 1873 (I forget the exact month) the then Governor, Sir George Bowen, came to Kororareka in a British man-of-war with Sir Donald M'Lean and suite, in the Government steamer, to unveil the monument to Tamati in the cemetery of the Russell Church. It was a great event in the North, where all residents remembered the great services he had rendered to us in the troublous times o£ the early settlers. I was then the northern correspondent of the Auckland "Herald," and being alss a photographer, I photographed the monui inent, and have just turned it up in tny album. The inscription is not as stated m the article, but as in few ■word* it ar» aptly sets out the qualities of' Tamati, J give it as exactly inscribed. , In memory of Tamati Waka Neney Chief of Ngapuhi. The first to welcome The Queen's Sovreignty In New Zealand. A consistent supporter of the Pakeha.Tliis stone is erected by the Government of the Colony which for upwards of 31 yean he faithfully upheld. Sage in council, Renowned in War, He died regretted by all the inhabitants of these Islands at Russell on the 4th August, 1871. —I am, etc. HENRY WRIGHT.; 4th April. ■