LETTER: Maori memories
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Your paragraph in the "In Brief" column ("£69m Maori land deal acclaimed", 23 December) was of special interest to me as my grandfather, the Rev Dr Samuel Payne RN, was actively involved in the Waikato war of 1863-4 which confiscated the land from the Maoris. He was chaplain of HMS Curacoa, one of the ships dispatched by the Admiralty to support the European settlers in their disputes with the Maoris over the ownership of land.
On arriving at Auckland, he was given leave to assist Bishop Selwyn (who was sympathetic to the Maori claims) in ministering to the troops. Payne served with the Naval Brigade, sharing the solders' dangers and discomforts and, in due course, was awarded a campaign medal bearing the legend New Zealand 1863-4 Virtutis Honor. The medal can be glimpsed on his chest in the portrait painted when he was in his eighties.
Yours sincerely, ERNEST HEBERDEN Richmond-on-Thames
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments