Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/84

 gain, to become the tool of Te Rauparaha, who chartered his vessel to come south to Akaroa to enable the latter to wreak vengeance on an old chief.

The Elizabeth anchored off Wainui, and a signal was hoisted for the Maoris to come off and trade. Suspecting no treachery the natives, accompanied by their chief, Te-mai-hara-o-nui, came on board, and then Te Rauparaha’s men poured up from their concealment between decks, and killed as many as they could lay their hands on, afterwards following up the slaughter on shore. Te-mai-hara-o-nui and his daughter were secured, being reserved for torture, to avenge the death of one of Te Rauparaha’s chiefs, Te Pehi, for which, as it proved, Te-mai-hara-o-nui was in no way responsible. Te Pehi had been killed about a year previous to the sacking of the Kaiapoi pah, and the old chief was held responsible because he was the highest in authority in the South Island at the time. Te Rangi-heata was the chief entrusted by Te Rauparaha with his precious enterprise.

On the return voyage Te-mai-hara-o-nui was subjected to torture and indignity, which he bore with fortitude. One day,