BATTLE RECALLED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 115, 18 May 1933, Page 3

BATTLE RECALLED.

WANGANUI CELEBRATION. HAUHAU WAR PARTY'S DEFEAT. Last Sunday an old flag flew at halfmast in Moutoa Gardens, Wanganui. To few people had it any significance, for most have forgotten the story of the heroic battle fought by the friendly Wanganui Maoris and a party of fanatical Hauhau warrrors. intent on driving the white residents of Wanganui into the sea. Someone had not forgotten, and the flag was flown in memory of the friemlly act, states the "Dominion." The battle was fought nearly 70 years ago, on a small island some 45 miles up the Wanganui River. An eye-witness to the fight was Hori Pukeliika, a wellknown carver, who died last year. The battle was arranged in a most chivalrous fashion. Although the Wanganui natives numbered nearly 400, only some 100 went on to the island to fight the HauhauS, whose force was about as large. The battle first was in the Hauhaus' favour, but the Wanganui men rallied and drove the enemy into the river, shooting and tomahawking nearly 50, and taking a number of prisoners. The remainder escaped through the bush and held out at Pipiriki, after a further defeat at Ohautahi. They were then driven eastward. In memory of th 6 bravery of the Wanganui Maoris at Moutoa, a monument was erected in the Moutoa Gardens.- A beautiful flag was presented by the white women of Wanganui to their saviours. The last survivor of the band of Women who worked at it is Mrs. Peter Bell, of St. John's Hill, who celebrated her ninety-sixth birthday some months ago.