Boulcott’s Farm

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 113, 6 February 1937, Page 19

Boulcott’s Farm

The outstanding incident in the Hutt Valley in connection with hos- | lities between Maori and pakeha occurred when Te Karamu, the henchman of Rangiliaeata, fell upon the British outpost at Boulcott’s farm in 1846.' Boulcott’s farm possessed, in common with other early colonial houses, a wide fireplace, in the chimney of which a stout iron bar was fixed for the suspension of cooking utensils. In those days when the majority of Maoris were regarded with suspicion, ; the proprietor of the farm underwent s a rather unenviable experience. Mr. Boulcott had just built up the fire for the preparation of his midday meal ; when he observed a small party ot armed natives approaching. Thinking discretion the better part of valour, he ! hastily climbed into the chimney and, t standing upon the bar, awaited the J*r- . rival of his unwelcome guests. The . Maoris entered, and after shouting . loudly for the owner, seated themselves about the fire and discussed the splendid appointments of “te whare te

Pokiti.” “Pokiti,” however, was tabing no chances, and although nearly suffocated' and blinded with smoke, maintained his uncomfortable position until the Maoris had departed. In endeavouring to descend from his precarious perch he fell into the fire and was badly burned. His chagrin can well be imagined when later he learned that the natives were friendly. —Arana (Lower Hutt).