A Noble Defence

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 226, 20 June 1936, Page 19

A Noble Defence

One of the most striking examples of the friendly Maoris defending Europeans from the attack by fanatic rebels was given in the struggle on the small island of Moutoa, in the Wanganui River, on May 14, 1864, when the Hauhau fanatics from the Upper Wanganui cajhe down with the object of forcing a passage and capturing the town of Wanganui. The Hauhaus had been inflamed by the preachers of the Pamairere religion, and set about arranging the attack whereby they hoped to drive the Europeans into the sea. The tribes of Hau and Pamoana decided to prevent the passage of the Hauhaus, and took up a position on the river bank near Moutoa when the fanatics camped on the other side ot the river nearby. Both parties, in all, about 300 warriors, took up positions on the island in the morning, and the battle began by a volley from the friendlies, under Tamehana Te Aewa. The fighting was strenuous while it lasted, and at times the defenders were hard pressed, but it resulted in a complete defeat of the parties from up the river and the safety of ’Wanganui. Losses ou both sides were heavy for the numbers engaged. Had the Hau and Pamoana people followed up their victory and pressed the enemy further, there jvould have been few left to return to their homes up the river, but they had stopped the passage of their unpleasant neighbours and rested on their laurels. Visitors to Wanganui will see the Moutoa monument, “To the memory of the brave men who fell at Moutoa, May 14, 1864, in defence of law and order against fanaticism ami barbarism.”—H. Maynard (Hataitai).