BURIAL OF MAJOR ROPATA.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7962, 15 July 1897, Page 3

BURIAL OF MAJOR ROPATA.

AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY. Ropata Wahawaha was laid to rest with his fathers at Waiomatatini on Tuesday afternoon, his body being deposited in a temporary morgue, situate not far from the large meeting house of his tribe at Waiomatatini, Waiapu, and immediately below the cliff Pupata, an ancient fortress, where the remains of his ancestors lie buried, and to which spot his body will eventually be taken for interment. The funeral Bervice and ceremonies were of a most impressive character, and will live long in the recollection of those who witnessed them. It was only fitting that such a grand old soldier of the Queen should be buried with full military honors, and the Government did the right thing in sending a firing party and the Gisborne City Band to the graveside, whilst the presence of a Minister of the Crown and representatives of the New Zealand Legislature, Defence Force, and Magistracy was a mark of respect due to one who had played such an important part in the colony's history. The members of Ropata's own tribe, the Ngatiporou, of course, could not allow the grave to close over their own chieftain without some display worthy of the occasion that would mark their sense of love, honor, and respect for the departed and sorrow at his decease. Major Ropata was, therefore, buried with honors and ceremonies worthy of a great rangatira and fighting chief. SKIP IN THE HINEMOA. The Government steamer Hinemoa, with a firing party on board, under the command of Major Messenger, and with Lieutenant Hislop, of the New Zealand Navals, as representing the Defence Department, left Wellington on Sunday night, and under full steam should have reached Gisborne early the following evening. Some misapprehension had arisen, however, with regard to the captain's instructions, and the latter, understanding that he was not to arrive at Gisborne until daylight on Tuesday morning, brought his vessel along under easy steam, reaching the roadstead at about 3 a.m. Meanwhile the Gisborne contingent had been waiting anxiously all night for the appearance of the steamer. To the number of about forty, they assembled at the Turanganui Hotel, where dull time was chased away with convivialities, and a few hours were very pleasantly passed. As soon as the steamer was sighted the party embarked upon the launch Snark, and as the Gisborne wharf was left behind the band struck up "The Girl I Left Behind Me," " Rule Britannia," and sundry patriotic airs, whilst members of the company joined in a vocal effort that could not have failed to wake the slumbering inhabitants in the vicinity and set the dogs barking for miles around. As the launch can:e up alongside the Government steamer, which had just been brought to an anchorage by her commander, Captain Neale, the combined efforts of the Band and the vocalists roused most of the passengers and brought them to the deck, and the Gisborne people received a hearty welcome from the Wellingtonians: For some time all was confusion on board. The Hinemoa people had not anticipated such a rush on their berthing accommodation, but the stewards quickly set to work and provided berths and shakedowns for all. Some, however, were not disposed to sleep, and kept up a ' 'sing-song" till daylight. As soon as the Snark had transferred her load of passengers, anchor was weighed upon the Hinemoa and the steamer quickly resumed her voyage northwards. A heavy southerly swell, which had been experienced all the way from Wellington, was still rolling, and the motion of the vessel brought pallor to a good many cheeks, but most of the party had regained confident control over their digestive apparatus as well as command of their sea legs by breakfast time, when a very nice meal was provided and heartily partaken of in the saloon of the steamer. The run along the coast was a good one, despite a fresh head wind, but upon nearing Port Awanui the weather began to thicken and the swell to increase and the prospects of effecting a speedy and safe landing became very gloomy, and afforded the people on deck a good deal of matter for discussion and speculation. Into the bays of Waipiro and Tuparoa heavy seas were seen to bo rolling, the surf breaking with great violence upon the shore, and the huge rollers as they curled and dashed upon the rocky portions of the coast forming a very pretty sight indeed, whilst other handsome effects arose from the lowering clouds hanging over the distant hilltops, with patches of sunshine gleaming through them, and displaying the vegetation with which the country is clothed. The steamer arrived off Port Awanui at 10 a.m-., and as she came within sight of those on shore her arrival was heralded by the discharge of musketry by Natives upon the hillside, the compliment being returned from the ship by some lively tunes being given by the band. Some considerable time was spent hovering about the roadstead, debating whether it was safe to land, and Captain Neale slowly brought his steamer as near as he considered prudent, with tho heavy swell, to the shore. Eventually a boat manned by volunteers, including Mr Hansen (stroke) and Jacob (steer oar), putoff from the boat harbor and showed that communication between ship and land was not impossible, although it was admitted to be quite risky enough, the swell running very swiftly and dashing to a great height upon the rocks at the entrance to tho harbor. It was decided to brave the elements, and the Hon. Mr Carroll led the way into the shore boat, which was to act as pilot to the ship's boats. Two of these were lowered and were quickly filled with the men of the Permanent Force, who had fallen in upon deck, and in a quiet and orderly manner marched into their places in the boats. Tho passage ashore was safely negotiated, and as the Herald representation and the Hon. Mr Carrroll stepped ashore from the first boat they were received with cheers from the assembled populace — all Awanui being out of doors — and a salvo of musketry. A long wait took place until all the passengers were landed, the ship's boats having to make three trips between the steamer and the shore. Thanks to the careful manner in which the boats were handled by the officers and men of the steamer, everybody was landed without mishap. ADVANCE ON WAIOMATATINI. The Natives had brought down from Waiomatatini, six miles inland, whither we j were bound, a troop of horses — a. motley collection of "mokes" — and mounts were found for all the men. At 12 o'clock " boot and Baddle " was the order, and the Permanent Force, for the nonce converted into a cavalry corps, and smartly responding to cavalry orders, were drawn up in line in front of the Rose Hotel, Awanui. An old Maori officer named Pine Tv, in full regimentals, with drawn sword, rode up and briefly addressed them, giving them a hearty welcome and stating that he would have the honor to be their pilot to Waiomatatiui. An advance was made, and a party of over 100 Europeans and many Maoris were soon upon the road, which winds along, through some very pretty snatches of scenory, to the village of Te Horo, where a halt was called to enable all the visitors to assemble and proceed together in one body to the pa at Waiomatatini. At this little village an inspection was made of a meeting house and Native church, recently erected, both of which had been very tastefully decorated. From this spot a very fine view] was obtained of the valley of the Waiapu, and ns one lobked over that fertile district he could not help regretting that its briars and manuka scrub have not been rooted out and the land put under cultivation. Ten years ago the writer expressed a regret that the district was so overrun with briars, but no improvement has been made since then, and a, long stretch of rich country, still in the occupation of the Natives, remains an eyesore and a waste. ARRIVAL AT THE PAH : THE WELCOME. Another short journey brought the party to the outskirts of the Waiomatatini pa, where the order was given to dismount. A procession wob formed, and 1.15 p.m., advanced towards the pa, which, crowded with Natives, all in a hubbub of excitement ovei the approaching ceremonies, and witli flngt flying presenteda very animated appearance. The lags, it should be mentioned, consisted of a very haftdsome blue enaign, presented tc Major Ropata and the Ngatiporous by Sii Donald McLean at a great huia in 1872J and which is exhibited only on State occasions,

and three other fine flags representing the different mana or local governments of the Ngatiporou. The blue ensign, still of large proportions, was formerly twice its present length. The pa lies nestled at the base of the cliff Pupata, a wooded knoll that when it was a fortress must heve been an impregnable one, but where now sleep in peace a number of tho leading people of the tribe, whose grr,ves can be seen, and where eventually Ropata's remains will bo deposited. The central feature of the pa, of course, is the large wharc whakairo, Pororangi, which was erected by the people for and presented to Major Ropata early in 1887 at a great huia that was attended by some 2000 Natives, and at which the Native Minister, the Hon. E. Mitohelson, was present. Near by, to the right, ia the deceased Major's late residence, a little cottage in a clump of trees, whilst to the left is his future temporary abode, a small corrugated iron structure which is to shelter his leaden coffin until its permanent removal to the place of burial. In the front portion or porch of the whare wliakalro lies the coffin upon a number of mats, Major Ropata's sword, presented by Her Majesty, resting upon it, whilst his regimentals hang upon the wall at the back, which is also decorated with a number of photographs and paintings of the deceased and of his people. In the lid of the coffin has been inserted a plate of glass, through which the features of the old Major can no seen. Around the bier stand the widow and a few immediate relatives of Major Ropata, whilst near by are other near relatives, including two little children, a great-great-grand nephew and neice, whose quiet solemn behavior during the proceedings attracted a "ood deal of attention. The widow and Friends stood over the coffin waving branches of evergreens, and expressing their grief in a long and pitiful wail. To the left wero a company of wahincs, dressed in black and holding green brenches in their hands, behind them the Maori populace to the number of five or six hundred, and further away, round a corner, a squad of sixty or seventy men ready for a war dance.

£ '■/■ In. front of the pa was a clear apace over the visitors in column four deep They wero welcomed by a Vfusilade of gunshots and loud cries of greeting. Tata Nihoniho, with drawn advanced to meet them, and others f %ho topk up a prominent position were jiVVI Keiha, Ropata's first lieutenant, an warrior, who, dressed in a handsome X.rmhiti. presented a very pictureaquo apV p jtu-anca; H. Mahuika,oneof thenephewa; « Hafci Hokomau, of Hicks' Bay; and Wi '-.Pokiha, his eldest brother. The proces- ; sion of visitors comprised the Hon. Mr Carroll, and Mr Wi Pore, M.H.R., representing the Cabinet and Legislature ; Mr ,-" Booth, Stipendiary Magistrate; Lieut.Colonel Porter, in the full dress uniform •of a Colonel of the Staff; Major Finn, in full uniform of Major of Brigade ; Major \McCredie, with Artillery Major's full drass ; Mr H. Simeon, representing his ' father Colonel Simeon ; Mr Vincent Pyko, wearing a New Zealand war medal ; Major '.Messenger, in the fine uniform of Major of the Permanent Artillery, at the head of a firing party of 25 members of that force; twelve members of the Gisborne City Band; the police force of Wniapu district ; whilst behind followed a number . of civilians, representative settlers of the •whole district from Gisborne to the East Cape. THE WAR DANCE, "' Immediately the party arrived in front of the pa, and the soldiers were placed ' into line, the squad of Maori war dancers ' came forth with a wild rush and a fierce shout from the place where they had been ; concealed, and sprang into a position a ; few yards from the troops, tiring, as they jumped, a sharp volley from the rifles. - JSone of the New Zealand soldiers moved a hair, although the suddenness and fiorceneas of the mock attack w.is sufficient to startle the nervously inclined. The Maoris then broko into a pcrupcrn or real war dance, which was a very fine performance, and something not often seen in these degenerate times. The Natives had decided to dispense with the usual hakas, and to give a purely military display. The dancers, some sixty in number, were fine strapping fellows all men of blood, fighters, and the sons of fighters, of the renowned Ngatiporou tribe. Their dance " was carried out with wonderful vigor, and the spectators irere thrilled by the actions, gestures, and shouts of the Natives, who .' -worked themselves up into a frenzy of ■ excitement. The accompanying song told of the deeds of the Ngatiporou, and various '. incidents in the narrative were taken up . by. the several leaders. The first to lead was a very old man named Eruera Paha, ■who, with mere in hand, danced as savagely !' as any ; then the refrain was continued by '. Wi Pokikiha, who in his song staled that " this was the identical peruperu the tribe danced at the time they captured Kereopa, - tha murderer of the Rev. Mr "Volkner ; Tata Nihoniho followed, and related how , they upset Tauranga, went to Turanganui, and of the fights that ensued in Poverty Bay and the Urewera country. The song concluded with a wild declaration that there was no tribe under the sun like them. The peruperu over, the dancers gave hearty shouts of " Haeremai " (welcome), and all the people with one voice ■ called " Haerenwd." THE LAMENT. Then followed the dance of welcome of the waihines, who, as we have said, were attired in the orthodox style at funerals, with black dresses and bearing branches of- evergreens. The widow and friends continued their sorrowful wail, the Maoris around all joining in the lament, and many being moved to tears. The scene -was a pitiful one, the expressions of grief - being almost indescribable. Tin o the ? crying, which though affecting, there was imparted a soft tunefulness that was • rather pleasant to the ear. The Hon. Mr „ Carroll presently stepped forward, and '■with bowed head stood before the bier, and this-action of respactfrom the representative of the Government led to a fresh outbnrst of grief. After awhile Mr Carroll retired, and Colonel Porter and the other officers advanced and paid a similar mark of respect. ADDRESSES OF WELCOME. The party then adjourned to the tvhare whakairo, the handsome interior of which gave rise to very general expressions of admiration. The permanent force were ranged upon mats along one side, the officers were grouped near the doorway, the band ab the far end, civilians along • the other side, and the Ngatiporou chiefs (who before they took their places shook • hands with everybody) in the centre of ' the building. Several addresses were then read by Mr Apirana Ngata, M.A. ' The first was from the members of the Ngatiporou tribe to the members of the Government and of the Legislature and to all European friends, who had come to mourn with them the memory of their beloved friend and father, Major Ropata, ( - now departed from this life. Words could not tell the pain they felt in their hearts Upon this occasion. He seemed to have taken the life from out of the tribe when he left, for he was undoubtedly their , greatest man. A few words relating to f his life would make plain to them what . the loss was that they mourned in him. In the year 1834 the Gospel was first introduced upon the East Coast at Whaka- ' whitira, just across the river, and as early as 1854 .Ropata was found upon the side of Christianity. In 1864 the Rev. Mr Volkner was murdered at Opotiki, and on Jane 10th, 1865, some of those who had taken part in the murderous act came to Waiapu. 1b was then that Ropata roae with his people and gripped his mantle of trar. It was nob that anyone advised him to bake the step, he seemed to have divined ab once which side was in the right, and at once organised a party to drive these murderers hence, for he was found ever on the side of the Church. The news of his action reached the Crown, and the Government found what a loyal friend they had in Ropata, and guns and ammunition were sent. At that time the Ngatiporou Natives might be said to have first sided actively with the Government and taken up arms for Queen Victoria. In 1869 he went with a party to fight against Te Kooti, for at that time the Europeans in Gisborne, Wairoa, Mohaka, and other places were in danger of their lives. It was Ropata's strength and energy that organised a force on this coast co fight on the side of the Europeans, to protect the women and children. It ■was on this occasion that we find him first appearing as a loyal subject of the Queen. The next occasion was in connection with the trouble over the Treaty of Waitangi; in fact, he was always found on the side of the Queen. His policy had always been to exterminate murderers, at the same time 3aving their women and children. In 1872 the Ngatiporou tribe were presented by the Queen -with tho flag flying on the pole outside, and at the sama timo a sword was pre- ' sented by the Queen to Major Ropata and another to Mokena Kohoro, tho other great leader of tho Ngatiporou, and about the same time the Queen presented Ropaia

with the Now Zealand Cross. It was thus that the Crown recognised Major Ropata's loyalty and his services. When the Government made their choice of Maoris to represent the Maoris in the Upper House they took first Mokona and thon Ropata. They would be able to imagine, thon, the loss which his tribe felt when they missed the man who had given such splendid service to the country and to his people, as soldier and as statesman. He was the only man on the coast who could hold the tribe together by sheer force of character and control the turbulent elements. So they wished long life to the members of Parliament, long life to the Queen, and might God in His good time relieve them of the sorrow that they now felt. The second address gave words of welcome to their European friends from Gisborne, who had come this long distance to do honor to Major Ropata, who was always thoir friend. " Welcome, also, to his brother oilicors and tho firing party. Bring your sorrow, your words of sympathy, come to do honor to the memory of tho dead; your friend, our father, your oliicer and equal, our leader, who was always a friend to this people and a loyal servant of tho Queen." "To the members of the Cabinet and mombers of the Legislature " was the third address. This asked the Government to recognise the claims of tho Ngatiporou tribe when they made an appointment to the Legislative Council to fill the vacancy caused by tho death of Major Ropata, otherwise tho mantle or cloak will be taken away from them. [This figure of speech is used as of a woman deserted.] It would be an occasion of great grief to them to hear that the Government had made an appointment outside tho district. SPEECHIFYIXO. Tho Hon. J. Carroll delivered an eloquent speech in Maori, using much symbolical language, which, though difficult to express in cold type in English, met with the admiration of all Maori scholars who heard it. Addressing the people of Ngatiporou, ho said that they had come to share with them in their grief at the loss of one of their groat men. He came as representing the Government, and wished to convey the sympathy and aroha (love) of his colleagues. Though some of them had only known Major Ropata personally a comparatively short time, they had always known of him through his historic deeds, and had telegraphed expressly desiring that he should express to the people their sorrow at his death. Although the Premier was away, when he received the news he would feel very pained indeed, for no one held Major Ropata in higher esteem than he did, and he always valued him for his sterling qualities. He (Mr Carroll) then proceeded to refer to Major Ropata as a man who had a lasting place in the hearts of the pakehas equally as much as of tho Maoris. His loss was not solely to the Ngatiporou and to tho pakeha ; it was a national calamity. They could ill spare men of his type — men of his character. His military history was already recorded, his deeds wore univeraally known. Time was, for the North Island especially, when the country was plunged in the horrors of warfare, the dark cloud of strife had settled over every district — then was the time when European families knew no rest, in raiud or body, and in their homes, and in isolated districts, especially so on this coast. The only light that reflected joy in the minds of families was the name of Ropata. The mention of his name, when he was approaching with his party, was certain to disperse the horrible misgivings that had hold of the people. It was right that they should say with the old settlers that knew Ropata that they would never allow his name to be effaced from ftheir minds and hearts. He was a man of strong force of character and with exceptional abilities. Once ho took up a cause, such as supporting the law and authority of the Queen and the muna of the Crown, nothing would cause him to swerve. One could take up a great deal of their time in recording the meritorious acts of the man they were mourning for. It had been said that the evil men did lived after them, and that the good was oft interred with their bones. He would say that the Ngatiporou would cherish all the good deeds of Ropata, that they might be a light to guide thoir footsteps in the right direction towards truth and jjstice. Let them endeavor to emulate him, trying to preserve the good relations between Europeans and Maoris, and if this were done he was sure the future of the Ngatiporou was not as black as it would seem. lie knew of the dissentions among themselves in times gone past ; he know Major Ropata had mauy who differed very keenly with him, for no great man could go through life without having enemies ; and he would say this was a fitting time for sinking all difl'erences that might have arisen. Weld themselves together into one solid column and carry out as far as they could the good works done by this great man. Ho could assuro them that there was one throb of grief through the pakeha community when the intelligence of his death had been received. Concluding, Mr Carroll broke into a very tuneful Maori iroiato, expressive of deep sorrow and affection, the opening line, we wero informed, running in the following strain — '■I am thinking of someone who is very dear to me," and the concluding words were — " In tho calm, or fjuiot of life we mingled or associated with each other, und now the canoe has been wrecked mid dashed to pieces, and its fragments strow the bench." Mr J. Booth, S.M., replying to the address to the European friends, said that before he came to Poverty Bay Ropata's name and fame bad extended to the West Coast, mid Ropata was sent for to do duty for them against the rebel Titokowaru. Since his arrival hero and during his labors among them as Magistrate, he had had many reasons to admire the uprightness and straightforwardness of their departed friend. The Hon. Mr Rigg, M.L.C., said he had witnessed their grief and shared in it. When tho full history of the colony came to be written some of tho biightcst pages of it would bo devoted to reciting the deeda of Major Roputa. Lieut. -Colonel Porter said he was on duty as a military man performing a sad rite to a comraflo. It was a rule in military service that officers of equal rank to the decoasid should be present as mourners at tho grave of their departed comrade, and that a firing party should be present to pay a miliury tributo to the dead. The Government very considerately hud sent Major Messenger in command, ho having been an old companion with Ropata iv the field, especially at Ngatap'i. Although the days of war might bo over, and thoao young men they saw might. never be required in thu same manner of warfare as Major Ropata had been in, they were over ready to support tho Queen as Major Kopata had steadfastly done. Mr Chambers thanked them for their welcome to tho civilians, and said that it Ropata hud joined tho Hauhaus he would have wiped out ovory European on thu Eafit Coast. Another address was read, in which the Native people said they thought it best to leave the matter of erecting a monument to Major Ropata in tho bauds of tho Government. Mr Carroll, replying,

agreed that the Government should see to this on behalf of the colony, and promised that a suitable monument would be erected. , THE BURIAL SERVICE : MILITARY IftDNOKS. Into the open air once more, and after a brief interval, during which the übiquitous photographer was busy with his camera, and sect! rod amongst others a snapshot of a remarkably well-preserved Waiapu centenarian, Wikiriwhi Matehe, who was a grown man when Ropata was a boy, tho funeral service proceeded. The military fell in in open order, resting on their arms reversed, the officers with drawn swords reversed, and the City Band, with muffled drums, played the Dead March in Saul. The coffin was lowered down on to mats in front of the building, and the swords it had carried were replaced with a beautiful floral cross, sent by Colonel Simeon for the Imperial force. It is interesting to note thab all branches of the Defence Force were represented. Lieut. -Colonel Porter represented the Staff, Major Mussenger the Permanent Force, Major McCredie the Artillery, Major Finn the Volunteers, Lieutenant Hislop tho Navals, whilst the Imperial Army was represented by Colonel Simeon through his son. As we have already pointed out, other departments of the State were also well represented. The officiating clergy wore tho Revs. H. Williams. Matiaha Pahewa (a venerable old man partially blind), Mohi Turei, Eruera Kawhia, and Piripi Awarau. The first portion of the Church of England service being read, the Band again played the Dead March, a procession was formed, the soldiery marching with slow steps and arms reversed to a position near the grave, where they opened out into two lines and stood with arms still revorsedand at rest, >ukl bowed heads, and allowed tho coffin, preceded by the clergy, to be carried through their ranks. The coffin was borne to the little house that had been erected for its reception, and there deposited. It was followed to the door by the widow. The concluding portion of the burial service was then read. The service over, Major Messenger gave the order to fire three volleys of blank cartridge, which was done, and this brought the very impressive service to a close, the Band, according to usual custom, striking up a lively air when all the solemn rites were finished. THE FEAST. Feasting was then the order of the day, the Maoris having prepared a sumptuous repast, which the soldiers and visitors did full justice to. A number of the permanent force had been practically without food since they left Wellington on Sunday night, so that it can be imagined their appetites were keen, and they all spoke in high terms of the abundance of good fare that had beon provided. During the dinner a number of Native songs and choruses wore sung. A NIGIIT AT AWANUI. The meal over, a hurried return was made to Awanui in the hope of getting on board tho steamer before tho evening closed in, but when the township was reached it was dusk, and though there was a good moon, it. was not considered safe with the heavy surf breaking to undertake the embarkation, which was postponed till the morning. The men, therefore, were quartered at tho two Awanui hotels. To the Sea View House the majority made their way, and there a very convivial night was spent. In the hall adjacent the men kept up dancing and singing till a late hour. In the hotel there was a large party, in which the Hon. Mr Carroll was the leading spirit. One feature of the evening's entertainment was a recitation by Mr A. T. Ngata of a composition of his own, described by all who heard it as a remarkably beautiful piece of poetry, well worthy of very wide circulation. A number of speeches were made and toasts honored. The band played selections in front of both hotels during tho evening, to the evident pleasure of tho inhabitants of Awanui, the Natives, and, in fact, of everybody. ItE-EJIIiARiCATION I HOSIEWAKD BOUND. When morning broke it was found that the sea had gone down during the night, and there would be no difficulty about getting on board. Boats came ashore from the ship at 8 o'clock, and by 9.30 everyone was on board, the anchor weighed, and the Hinemoa was under steam for Gisborne. A smoother and more pleasant run down the coast could not have been wished for. All hands were in the best of spirits and unanimous in their satisfaction at the manner in which

events had passed off. The band livened up the passage by playing a number of selections, and the thanks of tha whole ship's company were voted to them for their untiring services. As the steamer came up Poverty Bay, and passing the ocean liner Star of Victoria brought to close to the new ll uddart Parker steamer Westralia, tho band gave some excellent music, which brought all hands on board the big steamer to the deck, and evidently gave them as much pleasure as it did the Hincnioa's people. Previously there had been an assemblage in the saloon at which Mr Booth, S.M.. proposed the toast of "the Permanent Forco " coupled with thenameof Chief Gunner Richardson. Mo spoke of the. smart soldierly bearing of the men, .stating that they were a credit to the colony, and that there was satisfaction in knowing that from their ranks the members of the polico force were drawn. The chief gunner, replying, expressed the thanks of the men for the treatment they had received and mentioned with some pride that thoir conduct throughout the trip had been exemplary, not a single complaint having been lodged. He conI uluded by calling for cheers for Mr Carroll and Mr Booth, which wore heartily given. An adjournment being made to the deck U8 tho steamer slowed down at the anchorage, Mr Carroll in a happy speech expressed the thanks of the passengers to Captain Neale and the officers and men of tho Hinemoa for their kindness and care, iind cheers were heartily given for the skipper, who blushingly acknowledged the honor from the bridge. Cheers were also given for Major Messenger and the Permanent Force, aud the company joined in singing " God Save the Queen." By this time the Union Company's smart little launch was alongside, and as it would not do to keep Captain Neale and his men waiting for anything like the length of timo they had to wait the other night for the Hinemoa, the Gisborne contingent, most of them very loth to leave tho Government yacht, hurriedly transhipped, and the Hinemoa and Snark steamed in opposite directions, the soldiers iiriug a salvo of cheers as they parted. The Band played us ashore, and on arrival at the wharf took the lead in a procession to the Courthouse, where the company disbanded aftera very pleasantexcursionin which those who had had the good fortune to partake in it had the satisfaction of knowing that they had done just honor to the dead, and had given tho fullest measure of enjoyment to the living.