DEATH OF MAJOR KEMP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2303, 21 April 1898, Page 8

DEATH OF MAJOR KEMP.

jVangasui, Aprii 15. - RL-jor Kemp, the famous Maori chief o£ Wanganui, iHed at the sga of 75 years at 6h« Put&ki Pa, close to the town, this morning. Ho had been ailing for a fortnight with bronchitis and rheum&listn. Deceased was one o£ the aiost powerful sllie3 of the British during rhe Native troubles, and was the bolder of the New Zealand Cross and medal. He was also presented by fne Qoeen with a sword of braoui* for his coctsp;c < jt.us bravery afc and valuable avsitlaure &\ir'";£ irst war. > Keepa was tbc «oa of Tdfiguru and Rcrcomaki, and possessed paramount influence iv the .Wanganui district. He figured prominently during the Maori war, always fightins on ths side of tho colonists, was often mentioned in the ilebpatches, received a sword of honour from her M»je&cy, and was decorated with the Nsw Zi&\3.wl Ccu** forvalour in the field. To !>ho\v huw his services were appreciated it may be mentioned that Sir G-. S. Whitmore declared that Kemp was personally worth any 200 ordinary men in the field. The events in connection with the Horowbenua Block and the treatment received by Major Kemp are of too recent occurrence to require any reference being wade. No doubb the chief keenly felt the manner in which his distinguished services wet c f orgott en in his olu age.