GREAT RANGITIRAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14005, 10 March 1909, Page 8

GREAT RANGITIRAS.

FRIENDS OF THE PAKEHA.

PERPETUATING THEIR MEMORY.

[BY TELEUiIAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

, .; . Wellington, Tuesday. The decision of the Government to erect a monument to the late Mr. Hone Heke, M.P., has caused some attention to be directed to the careers pi other leading Maoris who have passed away within recent years. In some instances, it is stated, the Government promised to erect monuments to the memory of these rangitiras, but for one reason or another, it has not been done. Now, however, the whole matter has been revived; the Government is being asked to consider the propriety , of erecting ; suitable monuments to several 1 leading Maoris who were honoured in their i day by both races, and who influenced the history .of New Zealand. The list comprises such well-known natives as Major Kemp, the Hon. H. Tomoana, M.L.C., the Hon. H. K. Taiaroa, M.L.C., To Heuheu Tukino (of Taupo), and Tamahau Mahuputeu (of . Wairarapa). As to whore the monuments will be erected, or what form they will take, these are questions concerning which nothing can be said just now. . Some particulars concerning the chiefs to whom these honours are proposed to be paid will, however, be of interest.

Major Kemp, or Te Keepa, was a highborn chief, of the Wanganui district, where he possessed paramount influence. He figured prominently in the Maori wars, was often mentioned in despatches, received a sword of honour from the late Queen, and was decorated with the New Zealand Cross for valour in the field. He received his commission as ensign or lieutenant, in the Native Contingent, under Captain (afterwards Colonel) J. M. McDonnell, in 1864, and he served with distinction at Pipiriki, at Opotiki, and on the West Coast. Ho assisted Sir George Grey at the taking of the Weraroa pa, and was promoted for his services to the rank of captain, and afterwards to that of major. He organised and commanded the expedition which chased Te Kooti and his band of fanatics from the head waters of the Wanganui to the East Coast and back to the Ohiwa Mountains, and finally broke up and dispersed the foe. The late Hon. Henare Tomoana, M.L.C., was a chief of the Ngatikuhungunu, of Hawke's Bay. During the troublous times of the Maori wars he was loyal to the Europeans and to Queen Victoria. He accepted the commission of captain and fought bravely with other friendly Maoris against Te Kooti and his followers. He was rewarded by the presentation of a sword of honour— gift of Her Majesty—" for unfailing loyalty and valour." He was returned to Parliament in 1879, as member for the Eastern Maori district, and was called to the Executive as representative of the native race. He retained his seat in Parliament till 1885, and after a period of retirement was appointed, in 1897, to a place in the Upper House. He retained this until his death in February, 1904. ■\ Tho Hon. Hori Kereei Taiaroa was the son of the great Taiaroa, : of the Ngatiahu, who was one of those who journeyed to Sydney to make an arrangement with the Governor of New South Wales, whereby :' the South Island of .New % Zealand should be handed over to Her Majesty Queen Victoria. The late Mr. Taiaroa was elected as a member of the House of Representatives for the Southern Maori district in 1871, and retained his seat for 14 years,.being succeeded by the present member, Mr. Parata, in 1885. Mr. Taiaroa was called to the Legislative Council as a life member. He was the leading chief of the South Island, and one of the last of the old-time rangitiras. He died in August,. 1905. - -..-..

The late. Te Heuheu Tukino established a claim to lasting gratitude by preI sen ting to the Government the splendid domain now known as the Tongariro National Park. Included in this magnificent extent of country are Ruapehu, Ngauru-. hoe, and Tongariro Mountains. The late Te Heuheu, who was a powerful and much respected chief, was the father of Mr. Te Heuheu Tukino, who was president of the Maori Conference, which met j in Sydney-street during last year. ' Tamahau Mahupuku, who died at Greytown on January 14, 1904, was the last chief of the gatihikawera, of Wairarapa. He was one of the best-known of the old Maori chieftains in this part ,of the country, and always took a prominent part in anything, which he considered would tend towards the betterment of the race. He was one of the largest landholders of the district. - ' Before any of these monuments can be erected, Parliament will have to appropriate money for the purpose.