URITI, or KING GEORGE (? 1760-1828) was a chief of considerable influence at Kororareka. He was a cousin of Pomare. Intelligent and humane, he protected the missions. In 1827 he constituted himself the protector and guide of Earle and Shand. He adopted European customs, lived in a pakeha house and abstained from drink. He was, however, implicated in the murder of Marion's people and witnessed the burning of the Boyd, for which he held the pakeha responsible. He took part in the expedition against the Ngati-Paoa (1827). He visited Port Jackson (1827-28), favoured the establishment of British authority in New Zealand and encouraged trade. He was killed in March 1828 in avenging the death of Pomare's son.

S.P. Smith, Wars; Marsden, L. and J.; Earle; Carleton.

Reference: Volume 2, page 209

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