Henare Taratoa: a chief of the Ngai Te Rangi tribe, in the heroic act of getting water for the British wounded at the battle of Gate Pa, a Maori victory in the Waikato War, 28 April 1864. Watercolour by H.G. Robley, 1864.

[1864?]

1 painting : watercolour ; sheet 21.9 x 18.4 cm

Henare Taratoa (Flag at the Gate Pa) 28 April 1864. H.G. Robley Lettering continues: Henare Taratoa, a chief of the Ngaiterangi tribe, had been a pupil of Bishop Selwyn, at St John's College, Auckland. In 1864 when war broke out, he joined his people, and was a defender of the Gate Pa [view of palisade and the flagstaff in rear of work) 28th April 1864. He drew up the humane order for the protection of unarmed, or wounded men and the respectful treatment of the dead. This is commemorated on a monument in Tauranga cemetery (he was killed 21 June 64) The windows presented to the chapel of Lichfield Cathedral by officers and men who had served in the war all represent military scenes from the Old and New Testaments - one medallion has a special meaning depicting David in the act of pouring out the longed for water of Bethlehem; procured for him by three of his mighty men, at the risk of their lives 2.Samuel XXIII, 16 - and is meant to commemorate the similar heroic act of this Maori getting water for our wounded 29th April 1864 - Life of G. A. Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand and Lichfield. Flag has white cross, new moon, 5 points star - on red. Bears number: 3 Bears drawing of flag on verso

Wellcome Collection 527803i