THE PASSING OF TE WHITI.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2241, 19 November 1907, Page 2

THE PASSING OF TE WHITI.

AN INTERESTING PERSONALITY.

PARIHiAKA. INFLUENCE NOW BROKEN. Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, Nov. 18. The death of Te Whitii, the noted Maori prophet, this morning removes one of the most outstanding Native personalities of the past 30 years, and a new and more enlightened' era should now dawn for the Wert. Coast Maoris, over whom the influence of Parihaka exercised for years* an enthralling sway, which, however, since tins death of the rival prophet Tohu mine months ag<g . has .been.; on ' the wane. __To Whiti)-'believed to be. about 77 yeans of age, had led an eventful life as a young man. With Tohu he was taught Christian itv -at -a mission, and assimilated the 'teachings, especially of the Old Testament, so thoroughly that he saw in them, by giving modern ‘application to the prophesies, opportunity to proclaim a now doctrine and sway the Maoris. Under his regime Pa-ri-ha ha grew in influence and attracted adherents from all over tho Dominion, especially among those discontented and resentful of Pakeha rule. The new doctrine bad as a motto, “No more bloodshed;, peace to all mankind.” This was file watchword so far as bloodshed was concerned, and religion and passive resistance were to go hand in blind to attain tlie object in view—avheai tho white mail would be . dispossessed of tlio soil and the land re-inherited by. the Maori. That doctrine has been preached throughout tlie rolling years till the present day, but few of tlie present generation know the work of Tohu and To Whiti. In 1881 the Parihaka natives became troublesome, and the then Minister of Native Affairs, the Hon. Mr. Bryce, took firm action and 1300 men marched on Parihaka, -when Te Wliiti and Tohu were arrested, sent to Wellington and afterwards- to Lyttelton Gaol, returning to Parihaka in 1883. Te Wliiti was a highly intelligent man of magnetic personality, and, to converse with him was to feel liis power. His declining, influence, due to tlie activity of tlie Young Maori Party, of late seemed to disappoint him. It is stated that lie died of a broken heart

A great tiangi has set in. Natives from all parts inaking towards Pariliaka. The funeral will probably t-ako place about Friday.