THE LATE CHIEF HAKOPA TEATOATA.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2798, 11 September 1883, Page 3

THE LATE CHIEF HAKOPA TEATOATA.

Yesterday a number of Maoris proceeded by train from South Canterbury and from Otago to take pan iv the tangi over the above chief whose death at Kaiapoi was announced m yesterday's isnie. The Lyttelton Times gives the following inrormation regirding the deceased warrior : — The subject of this obituary was born m Kaiapoi, it is said, about the year 1782. He was preiant at the " Bauperaha " war, Riu« peraha being the chief that led the North Island catives against the Middle Islanders, when Kaiapoi was invaded by a canoe fleet, now over 60 years ago. The inoident U comparatively fresh m the minds or many of the present inhabitants of the '■ pah," from whom these particulars are procured. The plan of the invading force at this particular instance was to obtain admission to (he Kaiapoi pab by stratagem, and m order to do this terms were entered upon. While these treacherous arrangements were being made, the invaders broke the trace, and commenced a deadly encounter with the Kaiapoi natives. It may be mentioned that the former were armed with guns, while the latter had the nee only of the crude instruments of savaga warfare. Hakopa found out by some means the intention of the invaders, and immediately made fight against them, seizing their commander, and m a fearful encounter succeeded m killing him and many others. Far this action Hakopa is naturally held m great respect. The Northerners were so confused by the quick manoeuvres of their opponents, that they were compelled to retreat, and a year or so elapsed ere an attempt was made to revenge the loss sustained. On this second occasion, although more ably planned, Hakopa was again successful m repulsing his enemies, not only by hit intrepid courage, but also by his great warlike skill and obilitj. The protective works and th( pah were, however, set on fire, and Hakopa was ultimately taken priioner, conveyed tc the North Island, and detained there foi many years. When released from captivity it was at the suggestion of the first Engliit missionary who visited New Zealand. Befon leaving the North Island he was educated b; Bishop Htdfield and brought up m thi

Ohnrch of Kncland fsitb. Upon bi» return to Kuiapoi his education and experience co" • mairdcd considerable retp'ct among tho residents of the pah, and ho wan instrumental m introducing education and religious instru." tion among his follows. He, m conjunction with the Rev. Mr Bta?k, foundi-d tho cliurcli of St. Stephen, and from those [^socintionii tho natives hare decided to place his rcimina m the precincts of tho abore named church. When the denth of this illustrious chief becnme known, many nutiv<'s cumo to Kiiipoi from oil partß to hold their " tnngi " or "wake" over him, which hns been continued without intermission einec Thursday la«t, the day of his death. The funeral will t»ke placo at the pnh at three o'clock today, when i» full Maori jertioe will be given, which will bo conducted by tha Revs. Mut.u and Tc Kooti. Tho former clergyman wi 1 preach a funeral sermon toui-hini; upon the nebii'Tenientf, many good qualities, and life of the dooenaed chief. The dead warrior was Ijing m state yester day at his lat." rosidfince, and was visited by some hundreds of persons. Tho natives m attendance took ruuoh delight m giving every information as to hisageaud warlike deeds m day- no" ling gone by.