"There were two large _rata_-trees outside the stockade, but the statement made that von Tempsky was shot from a _rata_ is incorrect. I have seen a picture which purports to show him being shot down by a Maori perched in a tree. This is altogether contrary to fact, as I will explain to you.
"When we rushed out to the rear of the _pa_ the soldiers were rapidly approaching the stockade. We crouched down amongst the undergrowth, close to the little creek, and directed our shots at the thicket which grew between the _pa_ and the creek. Some of the soldiers, crossing the creek, were in this part of the bush, and soon I saw Manu-rau (von Tempsky). Heavy firing was going on all this time, and many white men had fallen. Presently many of the soldiers withdrew, carrying their wounded, but Manu-rau remained with his men, his drawn sword in his hand--the long curved sword which had already become famous amongst the Maoris. He came out into clear view of us, within a very short distance of where we were crouching--I should say less than half a chain. I fired with the others. One of our bullets struck him--I have always believed it was mine. One of his fellow-soldiers, who was close by, ran to pick him up, and he too fell, shot by one of my companions. Others ran out to rescue the fallen _pakehas_, and they were shot down by us and by the other Maoris, until soon there were nine white men lying dead or wounded around Manu-rau.
"When the Government forces had fallen back before a _kokiri_, a charge, led by Kātené Tu-Whakaruru, the Hauhau leader and scout, I ran out to where Manu-rau was lying dying on the ground. He seemed to be still living when I reached him. I snatched out my tomahawk from my girdle and dealt him a cut with it on the temple, to make sure of him, and killed him instantly. Then I took from him his uniform cap, his revolver and sword, and a lever watch which he had in his pocket.
"The sword, revolver, watch, and cap which I took from the soldier-chief's body I carried into the _pa_ and laid before our war-chief Titokowaru. That was one of the rules observed by Titokowaru's war-parties; the spoils of war must be taken to the chief for division. I was given the revolver, and used it afterwards in the war.