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Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8148, 20 April 1887, Page 4

Thebe need be no hesitation in calling Major Ropata to the Legislative Council. A great many appointments have been made to the Council during the last few years, it is true. It is also true that the Native race is practically unrepresented in the Chamber —a thing which, in the face of the standing promise to the contrary, must not be. Under the circumstances, no one, we take it, will object to the appointment of some Native. The only question that can arise, is of fitness first, and of the wishes of the Maori race after. These conditions being kept in view, the further question of reward for public service can be very fairly considered, and taken into account. . If the latter were the only question,

Major Ropata would have a claim to the appointment superior to any that can be put forward by any of his countrymen. The Major has done more service to the Crown than any other Maori chief, with the exception, perhaps, of Major Kemp. He came boldly to our help when Te Kooti was out, and fought brilliantly at the head of his tribe, setting a noble example. Before the famous pah of Ngatapa, in which he narrowly missed destruction in the face of great odds, he performed exploits the memory of which will never die. To him the taking of that formidable fortress was in a large measure due ; he was the life and soul of the fierce long-continued pursuit which finally destroyed the prestige of the freebooter. Such perils, hardships and privations were endured by no other chief as he endured during those famous expeditions of his. He certainly has deserved well enough of his country to be called to honourable service in the Legislative Council. Of his fitness to act we know, nothing, except that he has always been reputed a remarkably shrewd man of business, as well as an able soldier. Of this point the Native Minister must, of course, be left to judge, for he has ample material at his command to guide him to a right judgment. And the same may be said of the question of whether the Major’s appointment will give general satisfaction to his Maori fellowcountrymen. We presume, from the fact that his appointment is being discussed in Ministerial circles, that in all these respects Major Ropata is regarded as eligible. That being the case, we shall be glad to see the old chief called to the front once more. The last time he did so, he voluntarily came forward when hard blows were the bulk of his portion. To invite him to come forward now to receive honour would be an appropriately graceful act.