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The Second Year of One of England's Little Wars
D. — Statement respecting the Procedings at Waitara, by Tipene Ngaruna
D.
Statement respecting the Procedings at Waitara, by Tipene Ngaruna
In the course of September, 1858, I arrived at Waitara. I stayed there during three months of 1858, and three months of 1859. Teira commenced the sale of Waitara. I did not see Tamati Raru joining in what Teira was doing. The only word of his that I observed, was to keep possession of the land. In the year 1859, our meeting assembled at Te Kuikui, concerning Teira's proceedings. Wiremu Kingi stood up and spoke for retaining possession of Waitara. Wiremu Patukakariki (Ngawaka) stood up and spoke for retaining possession of Waitara. Tamati Raru stood up and spoke for retaining possession of Waitara. In the same strain spoke the many. Teira stood up, and had no supporter; he was alone.
The second meeting was at Werohia. Wiremu Kingi stood up and spoke for retaining possession of Waitara. Wiremu Patukakariki (Ngawaka) stood up and spoke for retaining possession of Waitara. Tamati Raru stood up and spoke for retaining possession of Waitara; and in the same strain spoke the many. Teira stood up: he had no supporter; he was alone.
The third was the great meeting at Waitoki, in the town. Teira stood up and spoke for disposing of Waitara. He had no supporter; he was alone. Wiremu Patukakariki (Ngawaka) stood up and said: “Governor Waitara shall not be yielded up to you. It will not be good that you should take the pillow from under my head, because my page 51 pillow is a pillow that belonged to my ancestors.” Paora Karewa stood up and said, “Listen, Governor, I will not give Waitara to you. It will not be good that you should drag from under me the bed-matting of my ancestors.” If I were to drag the bed from under you, you would be angry.” Teira gave his parawai to the Governor as a pledge for the sale of Waitara. Wiremu Kingi stood up and said: “Listen, Governor. I will never give my land at Waitara to you—never. This is all I have to say.”
On the occasion of our talk at Hurirapa, Teira spoke, and said that his lands outside the boundary should be given in exchange for the lands of the many, which were within the block that was being sold by him. The many said: “Your lands outside the boundary will not be an equivalent for ours, because our lands, which are within the land which is being sold by you, Teira, are far greater.”
When the chain was laid (upon the land), Tamati Raru did not join in laying down the chain, nor did he consent.