The Story of Ropata-nga-Pahau.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 4, Issue 21, 17 March 1893, Page 3

The Story of Ropata-nga-Pahau.

(Written for the Guardian.) The ages that have passed when Ruatea and Rongouerou, with their wives and followers (who were the ancestors of Ngatiapa), landed from the canoe Kurahaupo on the west coast of the North Island. Food was abundant and the tribes increased rapidly, extending their branches along the shore of the strait, from whence they made frequent excursions into the Pelorus Sound to visit the Ngatikuia tribe who claimed a distant relationship with them. This intercourse had continued for two or three centuries when events happened, the story of which I am about to relate. In the beginning of April 1835 a large war canoe, under the command of Ropata-nga-pahau, entered the mouth of the Pelorus Sound and steered straight for Orieri Island. The canoe contained some forty warriors besides women and children and made for the north-west side of the island, which was then the site of a strong pah belonging to the Ngatikuia. . : Their approach had not been unobserved, for at that time the Ngatikuia kept a man on top of a hill on the island whose duty it was to observe and report any canoe he might see. Consequently, before the.occupants of the canoe got within half a mile of the pah the Ngatikuia, young and old, having recognised their visitors, were on the beach chanting their welcome. The Ngatiapa had tome for a threemonths’ visit and speedily made themselves at home on the island. It was during this visit that Ropata-nga-pahau fell deeply in love with a Ngatikuia maiden who returned his affections, and he asked her father, who was a sub-chief, to give her to him for a wife. , Nearly all the Ngatikuias eagerly consented, considering it a great honour to be allied to a descendant of the great Ruatea; but one man had a great This fellow, it appeared, had married a sister of the maiden in question, and, she having died, according to the Maori custom this man, whose name was Ngatoro, was entitled to the girl Ropata had chosen. Ropata was very angry when he heard of it, and at once challenged Ngatoro to a combat with spears. This Ngatoro declined, saying he had nothing to fight for, the girl was his, and he would have her in spite of all the Ngatiapa. . Trouble was eminent when the Ngatikuia settled the matter by handing the young lady over to Ropata, Ngatoro being powerless to resist vowed revenge, and, taking a small canoe, left the island. Then both parties held a great feast, and enjoyed themselves after their fashion for over a week. Afterwards all left for Tamua Kaiuawi Bay, fish being very plentiful there. The men were out fishing and Ropata was returning with his load when Ngatoro emerged from the bush and thrust his spear through Ropata’s wife’s heart, uttering his war cry “ Ke au te mataika he rushed back into the bush followed .as soon as possible by all the men. . , •„ However, the bush being very dense, all but Ropata soon returned. He was more fortunate, as, by following his enemy’s

tracks’ right over the range, he arrived at the Tauhitinui beach in time to see Ngatoro making for the island in his canoe. The distance being too far to swim Ropata had to return to his tribe, but, in answer to their questions, replied that he had not seen Ngatoro. He remained until midnight weeping over the dead body of his bride and then took a canoe, and, unobserved, started for the island. The night was very dark, and shortly after Ropata left a terrible thunder-storm broke over the Sound and the rain fell in torrents. Ropata heeded it not, he was seeking for utu, and plied his quick but silent strokes with energy, hoping to catdh Ngatoro on the island. In this he was not disappointed, for when he landed he saw a canoe tied to a tree. Landing in silence he crawled into the pah in search of his foe, and ere long discovered him fast asleep in one of the whares. In silence he took his station by the door waiting for daylight, for he wanted to see his enemy die that he might enjoy his revenge. When the day had fairly dawned he shouted aloud, "Arise! thou slayer of women; Ropata calls you; arise, and fight for your life, Ngatoro, the rat." To do him justice Ngatoro was no coward. He arose, seized his spear, and emerging from the whare stood on his ground like a man. Then a terrific conflict ensued; hard blows were given and taken in grim silence, but finally Ropata succeeded in thrusting Eis hpear clean through his adversary's body, receiving in return a terrible blow across the head, which brought him to the ground. When the Maoris returned they found Ngatoro quite dead and Ropata lying senseless beside him. They brought Ropata found, but he was quite mad and remained, so. He kept oh talking about his dead wife : anid thought he could hear her answer. He refused to notice either friends or relatives, so they left him and deserted the island altogether. Wh6 can say how long he lived or what became of him. All I know is that a very few ia party pt Europeans while mustering sheep oh the island found askele-' tpn lying on the ground with the arms; folded under the head as though the owner had died peacefully, and in all probability that was the remains of the unfortunate Ropata-nga-pahao. J.M.