Truth is stranger than fiction in this biographical work of a deserter from the colonial army during the days of the Taranaki Land Wars. Tired of military discipline, Kimble Bent joins the Maori forces and finds there is no easy way in life. His tale, as revealed to the patient author James Cowan, provides fascinating details of the beliefs and practices of the Hauhau warriors who spread fear among settlers and soldiers alike. His story is unrivalled in the history of New Zealand.
Then a Maori sitting nearby, who could speak a little English, said, “This woman wants to marry you!” “Oh, Lord!” exclaimed Bent. “What for? I don’t want to get married.” An old man, whose name was Peneta, and who was draped from shoulder to ankles in a red blanket, walked up to the white man and, halting in front of him, pointed to the one-eyed woman. “Pakeha,” he said, with a quiet grimness in his tone, “this is my niece, Te Rawanga. You must marry her (me Moe korua). If you refuse, you will die! That is all.”
276 pages, A5 format, Illustrated.