THE RECENT SHIPWRECKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 30, 6 December 1878, Page 2

THE RECENT SHIPWRECKS.

TJttllTJl'E Ol- VKAISK TUTUK UT.UU i! i^IDi.XTS . During tha s^siou of Parliament, : if we remember rightly, ia reply to j one of the members, tlio Government j stated their intention of rewarding I the Otaki residents for thftir bravery j and hospitality to ihe shipwrecked j immigrants per City of Auckland, and the crew of ihe barque Felix Stowe. So far as we can learn, no j acknowledgment whatever has boen ! made by the Government of the j heroic acts then performed by Europeans and natives. Wo are pleased, however, to state that Mr Ward, 11. M., upon his recent visit to Otaki, paid a well-deserved, compliment to those who had acted so bravely. Upon the Conn being* declared open, he said : — Before the businos3 of this Court I commencos, 1 wish to say, a few words to the people of Otaki — Europeans and Maoris. Since my List visit here, I read in the newspapers an account of the two ships Felix ! Stowo and City of Auckland being wrecked on the beach near this place. With very much plesaro and pride I saw there narrated the noble and brave conduct of the Otaki men on these occasions in saving so many lives, and how you spared nothing ! when the unfortunate people were brought ashore, in trying to make them as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. I cannot allow this occasion to pass without adding my tribute of praise for your | splendid behaviour, and I have no j doubt ihafc, should your assistance j be required again, the men of Otaki ; will not bo found wanting in the time of peril and need. I conclude by saying, all honour to the brave men of Ottiki, who so heroically risked their lives to save those of the men, women, and children, on board these vessels. Later in t'je day Mr Ward received the following thoroughly characteristic- letter from the natives : — " Otaki, December 3rd, 1878. ! To Mr "VvAUDjßasident Magistrate, Otaki. Salutations — This is a letter of praise to you for the words you spoke in our presence in the Court House at Otaki, with reference to the brave conduct of the Otaki people in rescuing the immigrants of England who •were wrecked" on the Otaki Beach. We did think we would have been paid in money. We cau only now say, that we are pleased, and our hearts rejoice afc the result of their deliverance, because life is worth more than money, and the body than raiment This % is to show , forth our gratitude for the .words which you have uttered, our | ears having heard } our words of j praise of the conduct of the Otaki j people, including Europeans. Subscribers hereuuder are our signatures, j From Kipa te Whatanui ! Kawiri E. Tahiini j And oth«ers.