WAIRAU MASSACRE

Grey River Argus, 28 May 1938, Page 8

WAIRAU MASSACRE

J Relic Unearthed ‘l J _ J SKELETON OF NATIVE PRINCESS 1. . , • . [Per Press Association.] I RT.FNHETM. Mav 26.

| BLENHEIM, iviay ' A. discovery which appears to be of historical importance was made near the scene of the Wairaru massacre, at Tua Marina, yesterday afternoon, when the Main Highways Board workmen, engaged in widening a cori ner below Massacre Hill,, unearthed , the skeleton of a Maori woman believed to be that of the native Princess, Te Ronga, whose death precipitated the massacre. i It is considered that the skeleton is between 90 and 100 years old, and the skull bears a bullet hole, which gives I the theory that the remains are those i of Te Ronga, daughter of Te Raupai raha and wife of Te Rangihaetea, Te I Rauparaha’s lieutenant. According to the history of the massacre, Te R.onga was killed by a I chance bullet tired by one of the white party, and in the ensuing tight and massacre. 22 Europeans lost their lives. This morning, the remains were examined by Dr. W. E. Redman and W. J. Elvy, both students of Maori history. Dr. Redman positively identified the skeleton as that of a female between 25 and 30 years of agej •Around the neck was a greenstone tiki pendant, of unusual design, comprising a crude representation of the head only. Significantly enough, an ancient bullet, found at Tau Marina some years ago, which was produced this morning, fitted the bullet hole in the skull. The appearances indicate the burial was carried out hurriedly. The skeleton was found about two feet below the surface, lying on its left side, facing east. It was trussed in the, usual way, with knees and hands drawn up towards the chin. 5