MARAHAU, HOROMONA, as a boy accompanied his father on warlike expeditions, including the taking of a pa at Whaingaroa, and afterwards a great cannibal feast at Hanga. He was present at two victorious fights at Maungatautari. After an attack by Ngati Raukawa on Horomona's pa he pursued the assailants, but was badly defeated and narrowly escaped with his life. Other fights occurred at Kawhia and at Mokau, where again Marahau was severely defeated. He returned to attack Mokau and took savage revenge upon his enemies, killing two hundred (who were eaten), but sparing the chief on account of a kindness he had done his brother. He made later forays against Poverty Bay, Kapiti and Whanganui and then took part in the Taranaki wars.

Attacked and defeated at Waitara by Te Rauparaha, Marahau retreated to Pukerangiora, where he was besieged until relieved by Te Wherowhero and Waharoa. In the assault by Ngapuhi at Matakitaki he was amongst the prisoners. He afterwards escaped, and gathering his warriors, returned to Poverty Bay and inflicted great losses upon the tribes there, killing 600 at one pa. Shortly afterwards he became blind. He first met the missionaries at Otawhao, and at Matamata he heard the Rev Henry Williams preaching. He was converted and baptised with the name of Horomona (Solomon) and soon afterwards became a catechist and teacher under the Church Missionary Society (1845). For some years he assisted the Rev J. Morgan with his Scripture classes and with great earnestness and energy carried the Gospel to heathen tribes.

The Southern Cross and Southern Crown (1855); Angas, New Zealanders and Savage Life.

Reference: Volume 2, page 30

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