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European correspondents who have a knowledge of Maori a re requested to be good enough to forward their communications in both languages. To the Editor of the Waka Maori. Mokoia, May 29, 1875. Tbiestd, —Greeting. "Will you publish this letter for the information of our European and Maori friends ? A severe affliction has visited this place, Eotorua. On the 27th of May last, a canoe, containing three Europeans named, respectively, Langley Adams, George Kemp, and John G. Gilfillan, started from Ohinemutu for the island of Mokoia. It was blowing hard at the time, and, when about a mile from the shore, a sea struck the canoe, which instantly capsized, precipitating all three into the lake. Ere long another wave broke upon them which righted the canoe again, thereby enabling its occupants to get into it. They had scarcely done so, however, when they were overtaken by another sea, which turned it over again; on this occasion, Mr. Gilfillan was forced nnder the canoe and drowned. His companions clung to the bottom of the canoe and drifted towards the island. The accident was witnessed from the shore by the Ngatiroro-o-te-rangi Natives residing at Mokoia, who made several unsuccessful attempts to launch a canoe, but without success, on account of the high sea running at the time. Two Natives, named Whititera Te Waiatua and Te TJa Korokai, thereupon volunteered to swim off and bring them ashore. They succeeded in reaching the canoe, which they drew gradually towards the shore, and landed immediately opposite Hinemoa's Bath (a warm spring on the edge of the lake). The two survivors when rescued were almost exhausted; in fact, one was nearly dead. On reaching the shore they were immediately put into the warm bath, which very soon revived them ; they were supplied also with dry clothes.
Friends, I greatly admire the conduct of these two persons in thus saving the lives of the abovenamed Europeans, for they must have swam at least half a mile in order to reach the canoe, and, after rescuing them, did all in their power to make them as comfortable as possible after their sad misfortune. Prom Rongomai Whareattta.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAKAM18750622.2.16
Bibliographic details
Waka Maori, Volume 11, Issue 12, 22 June 1875, Page 138
Word Count
360OPEN COLUMN. Waka Maori, Volume 11, Issue 12, 22 June 1875, Page 138
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