Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any re-use of image. [A-259-010]

"Te Waro"

Lithograph after a sketch by J. J. Merrett

The following notes have been abbreviated from text accompanying the illustration on the Alexander Turnbull Library web site.

Illustration from: E. Dieffenbach, Travels in New Zealand, London, John Murray, 1843. v. 2 frontispiece. Tinted lithograph. After a sketch by Joseph Jenner Merrett (1816?-1854) made on a trip with Best, Symonds and Dieffenbach to Waipa in 1841. Cf Journal of Ensign Best, Wellington, 1966 p 298-9. Haghe, lith. Day & Haghe.

Shows Te Waru (fl 1840-1844) denouncing his daughter for murder of a slave to Pakeha visitors Ensign Best (or Captain Symonds) who is standing on the far left, Ernest Dieffenbach (1811-1855) is closer on the left wearing a cloak and broad-brimmed hat. Te Waru is standing in front of an elaborate carving, his daughter standing at his left hand and seated Maori surrounding them.

Historical note

Te Waru, a pagan, announced to Symons that his people would henceforth live by British law. The daughter's brother had committed suicide after the discovery of his adulterous relationship with a female slave and his sister had thereupon killed the slave. In the end, the girl was not tried for the murder, since the incident had happened before Te Waru's decision. (Information from Alan Ward, A show of justice.