PLACE HISTORY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 113, 6 February 1935, Page 11

PLACE HISTORY

Motorists to Gather Information PUBLICATION IN VIEW With the object or having a book on place lore in the North Island published, the North Island Motor Union decided yesterday to ask affiliated associations to gather data of historical interest. The undertaking was suggested by the chairman, Mr. W. A. O’Callagau, who said it had occurred to him that there was much historical information of interest to motor tourists that could be made available to them.

Mr. E. Palliser (Wellington) asked whether the chairman had seen the Wellington Association’s guide book, which included much historical information. For instance, it had 85 references to places of interest on the Wellington-Auckland route, via tlie west coast. The book was available to all associations. Mr. E. Amoore (New Plymouth) supported the chairman, saying the country. especially Taranaki, abounded with places of interest. Mr. N. R. Bain (Wanganui) asked whether visitors should b.e reminded of the rough history of a district, and whether a Inodern motor guide wjis the place for that information to be given. Wheu the ability of the organisation to secure accurate information was questioned.' a New Plymouth delegate said the notice board at Opepe, near Taupo. described the event for which the place was noted as a “massacre,” whereas it was not a massacre but tlie defeat of the Europeans by Maoris using Legitimate tactics. Reading from the Wellington association’s book, Mr. Palliser said it referred to the “Opepe Memorial Board.” and described the encounter without calling it a massacre. ■The chairman: The English never admitted defeat. When they were defeated they called it a massacre.

Replying to a delegate who drew attention to the large amount of material that would be collected, the chairman said it was not his intention that a history of New Zealand be printed.