LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2274, 30 September 1897, Page 22

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

His .Excellency the -Governor, after tbe delivery of tho opening Speech, took his departure.

THE LATB MAJOR HOPATA.

The Hon. W. C. WALKER moved— "That the C-iuncil desires to place on record its high sense and appreciation of the valuable and gallant services rendered to the colony by. the late Major Ropata Wabawaha, and expresses* its deep sympathy with the widow and his pepple ia thsir bere&vetneab." He said that the whole iCilony was a ware of tho special "sf.rvioei which Major Kopata rendered for tho people of New Zealand. His extraordinary devotion and strategic mind were of great servioe to the colonial trcops. For his perssnal gallantry and courage ha was presented with the New Zealand Cross. His whole history contained many evidences of personal valour and disregard of danger. He was also distiugui-thed by the presentation of a vword from the Queen. Hii history culminating, as ibdid, in the perinat.eut peace of the colouy was such that tbe colony"' should keep his memory green. He bad been also a member of the Council, and bon. members all knew tihe quiet and unassuming demeanour with which that brave man bore himself. The Council had an additional duty to put on record its appreciation of the lute member's high services.

The Hon. Captain BATLLIB, in seconding the motion, said the services of the late obtef would be matksd in a memorable eposh of the colony's history.

Tbe Hon. Vt GRACE said Major Ropata was the bravest man he had seen in aotion. He was amazed that so great a man, so powerful a character, so brave a chief, shou'd have been so little known. The Hon. J. RIGG described the burial of the chief, and said that tbe det-d* of the great warrior Wbuld form a very bright) page in the history of New Zealand.

The motion was carried, and as a further mark of respect to the dead chief's memory the Council adjourned till Tuesday next. The Speaker left the chair at 4 p.m.