OPEN COLUMN.

Waka Maori, Volume 11, Issue 7, 6 April 1875, Page 78

OPEN COLUMN.

European correspondents who have a knowledge of Maori are requested to be good enough to forward their communications in both languages. To the Editor of the Waka Maori. Waima, Hokianga, March 14, 1875. Friend, —I write this to inform you of the death of our father, Mohi Tawhai—a distinguished chief of Ngapuhi—which occurred on Sunday the 14th of March instant. He had been to church, and, after the morning service had been concluded, at 2 o'clock p.m., he mounted his horse (to return). The horse shied and he fell to the ground, completely breaking his neck. When the people reached him he was quite dead, so that he uttered no word of counsel to us or to the tribe. He was an aged man, and a chief of great power and influence in Maori affairs, and also in Pakeha matters —in upholding Christianity and in suppressing crime in the land. He was energetic and powerful in promoting the welfare of the tribes. His hand was strong to grapple with difficulties, and to overcome them by the power of his right arm. For a period of over 36 years he had been a professor of Christianity and a supporter of the Faith among his people, and also of the laws of the Government. He sought satisfaction for the blood of the Pakeha shed in the war of Hone Heke at the Bay of Islands, Ngapuhi (i.e., he took the side of the G-overnment). From that time he has been the friend of the Pakeha, and of the Maori also. "We are in great trouble on account of his death, which came so unexpectedly. (Here follow some words of farewell). From yours in love, Mohi Tawhai Wikitahi.

To the Editor of the Waka Maori. Ohinemutu, Hotorua-nui-a-Kahu, 12th March, 1875. Sir, —"Will you insert these few words in your " open column," if you have space. The story of the illustrious man whose history has been published in the Waka Maori, has greatly excited my wonder, and has given me matter for much serious thought. The adventures of this man, Columbus, and the dangers which he encountered, have excited my sympathies not a little, and have occupied my thoughts night and day. My earnest desire is that I may behold his portrait. First, we had the story of Dr. Livingstone, and then that of Columbus, and both of these great men I regard with the very highest admiration and respect. My ten shillings, subscription money, has been more than repaid by the pleasure I have received in reading of these two men of memory renowned. May the Father of Heaven, the Creator of us all, protect their descendants. From M. H. Tahabafgi.