2-791-448 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Rauparaha - Kafia Chief, 1844. Portrait of Te Rauparaha, Maori leader of the Ngati Toa tribe, after a drawing Mr. J. Greaves. He 'took the most prominent part in the late Massacre at Wairau...his eyes are very bright, and are expressive of great cunning'. He '...resisted all attempts of the settlers to occupy the land professed to have been purchased of the natives by the New Zealand Company...The natives resemble spoiled children...the impunity extended to all their criminal acts, have encouraged them in the belief that the Government is either unwilling or unable to control them, and has led them on to the commission of excesses which have nearly ruined the settlers, and terminated in the massacre. From the temper they have manifested since that event, it is to be feared that harsh measures must be resorted to, before they will pay obedience to the law'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.