Meeting between Dr Isaac Featherston and Wanganui iwi at Putiki

Ceremony at Putiki Pa after the battle of Moutoa (14 May 1864). Dr Isaac Featherston (centre) is presenting Mete Kingi Te Rangi Paetahi with the resolution of the Provincial Council thanking the Wanganui Maori for their brave conduct at Moutoa. Third from left, in tweed cloak, is Hakaraia Korako. To his right is Peina Tao. The three pakeha men to the left of Featherston are Mr Booth (catechist), Mr Hamlin (native interpreter) and Major Turner (65th Regiment). Seated between Featherston and Metekingi is Tamehana. To the right of Mete Kingi, with taiaha, is Haimona Hiroti. The two pakeha men to the right are Lieutenant-Colonel Logan and John White. At the extreme right are Peti Puohotana and Rini Hemoata. Photograph taken by William James Harding of Wanganui.

In 1864 upper Wanganui Māori adopted the Pai Marire faith and, led by Matene te Rangitauira, attempted to pass down the Whanganui River to attack the town of Wanganui. Mete Kingi was with the army of pro-Government lower Wanganui Maori who refused them passage. At the battle of Moutoua he commanded the reserve and played a decisive part in the defeat of the Hauhau force. (Source: "Dictionary of New Zealand Biography", 1990. p 487). Harding published this photograph in November 1864, as described in the "New Zealand Spectator and Cook Strait Guardian", 12 November 1864, from which account the names of the people present were taken.

Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s).

Physical Description: Wet collodion glass negative 6.5 x 8.5 inches, with skyline painted out.