The Death of Taipari.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8610, 15 March 1897, Page 3

The Death of Taipari.

Further particulars in connection with the decease of Wirope Hoterene Taipari show that the late chief was a)?out 64 years of age. It was in an endeavour to benefit his health that he lately left for Whakatane, where his younger wife's relatives reside. Becoming worse there lie cut short his stay and came back to Auckland at the beginning of last week. On reaching the city very ill he was attended by Dr. McKellnr who saw him get worse daily. On Friday the doctor informed the chief that the end was near, and Taipari expressing a wish to " die at home" arrangements were immediately made to transfer him to the Thames. I

The deceased was the principal chief of the Ngatimaru, and was born at the Bay of Islands in 1833, his parents, who of course resided at the Thames, being North vn a visit. His father, who wab straightforward and conscientious, must have inculated those principles in his son, for since the latter was called to act for himself he proved to be in possession of them, and moreover throughout his life he lias in all sincerity been the white man's friend. Mr James Mackay, who was associated with Taipari in the early days, says most emphatically that he was a great factor in the cpeniug of the Thames as a goldfield. The prospectors who endeavoured, to get a footing in 1865 were not successful until 1867, but during those two years the now deceased chirf was constantly using his influence amongst his people to allow the precious metal to be mined for, and there is no doubt that then and afterwards by his attitude on the matter he saved a deal of trouble. Another good trait in him was his hospitality, and mr>ny a time he entertained visiting Maoris in right- royal style. He was instrumental in raising a corps of Maori volunteers, whose services, though never required, were placed at the disposal of the Government, and another duty he did for the colony was in connection with the assessment of land. He held an appointment of Native Assessor, and as such sat in the Court here on one or two occasions. It will therefcr9 be seen that Taipari has on the whole played a most important part in the settlement of this part of the country, a fact which MrMackay, who has dme giant's work in the same connection, readily testifies to.

Taipari leaves two children by his second wife, whose ages are about 10 and 8 years respectively. A daughter, Mere, it will be remembered died a few mouths ago. Of other relatives he has few, certainly there are no close ones except a cousin or two living, and the working of the estate which is fairly considerable (he being the owner of a large portion of the land at the Shortland end of the town) will be placed in the hands of executors under his will.

The tanffi commences to-claj'. A large number of natives are expected from all parts aiid it is said that the gum of money provided for the expense of the gathering is large. Yesterday the body of the old chief was viewed by a large number of Thames people, -who saw it at his house just inside the French casement on the verandah, surrounded by mats. It will be placed to-day in a lead casket manufactured by Mr E. Twentyman who has the undertaking duties to fulfil, The interment will take place at Totava,, the deceased being placed along* plde his father and daughter.

In a recent letter to the manufacturers, Mr j yt. F, Benjamin, editor of the Spectator, KuehforJ, N.T., says:—" It may be a plea- j sure lo you t * Lnow the high esteem in which ChambeVlaip's medicines are held by th« people of your own State, where they must be beet known- -An aunt of mine, who re« sides at Defter, lowa, was about to visit ma a few years since, and before leaving home wrote me, asking if they were Hold here, stating if they were not she would bring a quantity with her, as she did not like to be without them." The medioines referred to are Chamberlain's Cough Eomedy,. famous tor its ouyes of colds and croup ; Chamberlain's Pain Balm for rheumatism, lame back, pains in the side and chest; and Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera, and Diarrhoea i'Kemedy for bowel complaints. These medicines have been in constant use in. lowa for almost a quarter of a century. The people have learned that they are articles of great worth and merit, and unequalled by any other. They are for sale by J. E. Hahbek.— [Advt.]