PAPUI, A WORTHY MAORI CHIEF.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2570, 3 August 1909, Page 7

PAPUI, A WORTHY MAORI CHIEF.

AN INTERESTING NARRATIVE. Mr. M'Nab, in his book “Murihiku,”. •referring to the early real's of the nineteenth century, introduces a v ®£.y quaint and interesting narrative. He says:—The widespread character of revenge and brutality accorded to the New Zealanders about this time renders all the more pleasant the story told by Captain Fowler, of the Matilda. This vessel sailed from Sydney m August, 1813, bound for New Zealand, and then on to Tahiti.' On her-road she remained anchored for eleven clays m Otago harbor, driven there in distress. “The vessel >.vas manned by Lascars, who were emaciated by fatigues they had before been unaccustomed to and being for a length of time without vegetables of fresh provisions, having then also but a few gallons of water left. As soon as Captain Fowler informed the chief, Papui, of the state of his people, he received the most friendly pi’offers and assistance; and collecting a number of his subjects, a large fishing party was immediately formed, and a present supply procured. Their potatoes were not more than half grown, and were tabooed until they should attain their full size. Though the natives were thus prohibited their use themselves, the wortny chief would allow no restraints operating against the distressed strangers, ■and to them an abundance was afforded. Such of the crew who were most capable were afterwards iemployed in procuring water, which was a mile s distance; but from the impediments they met from the flax plant in rolling the casks, the labor was more than they could perform. The chief, observing this, went himself to their assistance, and shouldering one of the casks set the example which his people immediately followed; and thus was the labor promptly and effectively relieved. The good chief visited the vessel immediately at sunrise every morning, and was personally attentive on all occasionsho the supply of food to the crew. He noticed the running rigging to be in a decayed state, the - vessel having sufferejd a continuance of very bad weather ; and without any prefatory remark, sat down on deck with a number of his people, men and women promiscuously•and commenced ropemaking, after the manner of the country, which is performed by plaiting four strands of flax,, something in the way, that our carriage whips are made, which. prove an ex- • cellent substitute for a more expensive • cordage. Captain Fow.'er speaks of the

chief . inkthp -liighest.. terms of regard and veneration; his stature is. full six feet and a half in height, athletically formed, his countenance as benign as his manners are mild; and commanding obedience more as the father of a t family* than as the chieftain of a bar- ; barous district. At taking leave he expressed the most friendly concern for the captain and his people, and hoped i f „ they should come that way again he would call and acquaint him of their •welfare.”