Episode 59: NZ's First Hanging, Part 1

[@kuiwaiperawiti8994]

Thank you for your videos I found you on you tube I enjoy the history an love your drone footage as well😊

[@kiwicodger]

Glad you are joining us in this exploration of times past :)

[@kino81]

Kia Ora matua been a long time

[@kiwicodger]

Dang, its only been two months.. the previous gap was six! Hope all good with you Kino, nga mihi.

[@kino81]

@@kiwicodger nga mihi matua

[@anthonybrunt5348]

Good one. Looking forward to no. 2.

[@GeoRick]

Thanks for another extremely interesting video.

[@rogerevans7119]

Fascinating story and well told and illustrated. From what I understand, the issue for hapu was one of utu, as Maketu son of Ruhe of Ngati Hineira had killed the grandson of Rewa of Ngai Tawake, raising the prospect of tribal conflict. Under tikanga, neither rangatira could be seen to yield to the other, tikanga demanded utu, however it would be acceptable for a third party to arbitrate (missionaries) while surrender of Maketu to British law provided a means of fair and independent adjudication. Tikanga demanded execution of the perpetrator on the spot, which could have caused resentment and an outbreak of tribal war, but would have left the murder of Pakeha individuals unresolved. The idea of imprisonment and hanging was abhorrent under tikanga, being demeaning, but would avoid further conflict. The trial was carefully followed by Maori, and explained in te reo through the Court proceedings. By the Treaty Maori had accepted the oversight of the Queen's authority and law as a means of keeping peace between hapu as well as controlling Pakeha. George Clarke Junior, eldest son of missionary George Clarke at Waimate, was involved in negotiations for the arrest and as an interpreter at the trial, and his autobiographical "Notes on early life in NZ" makes interesting reference to these events. Under the Treaty Maori recognised that while they retained their autonomy as hapu, the laws and government of the Queen exercised through Hobson (ultimate authority, or sovereignty) would be a necessary resort in this matter, as it involved murder of the grandchild of a chief, and of Pakeha victims, by the son of the rangatira of another hapu. The initial acceptance by Maori of British law and courts as a means of settling disputes is well covered by Shaunnagh Dorsett in her book "Juridical Encounters"

[@kiwicodger]

Hi Roger, I love your educated and balanced comments. It would be great to get together for a coffee sometime. Are you in Auckland?

[@rogerevans7119]

hi really appreciate your well researched articles would be great to meet sometime, I live in west Auckland (Swanson)@@kiwicodger

[@kiwicodger]

oops, sorry, just come across your comment. Send me an email at [e-mail], cheers

[@blade6659]

Manipulated korero/Whakapapa

[@MozziTāne]

Hobson was probably breathing a sigh of relief after the official consensus from the hui otherwise I reckon sh*t would have really hit the fan.

[@kiwicodger]

I agree, I think things would have got very nasty, very fast.

[@vwxyz0002]

What a dilemma. 184 years later the remedy is no easier than it was at the time of the murder. It must happen in numerous places around the world where different cultures have different approaches to an issue and the question must arise as to which must prevail. If you are to have equality then that must extend to all areas of life: including justice and the application of the law. Even if the law is applied equally I guarantee you will still have grievances as one party or the other will feel hard done by. Enjoyed the posting and the graphics. Keep up the good work.

[@kiwicodger]

Cheers Onslow, people and cultures are different which is their strength, when trying to work togetrher there'll always be differences...well even within the same culture... look at the differences between the Democrats and Republicans in the States.

[@blade6659]

E kao matua u only have half the information.

[@kiwicodger]

Hey Blade, I have put my references for my narrative, if there are sources I've overlooked then I would be interested in them. These stories are always more complicated and involved than the historical record. Any light you can throw on things helps us all.