IN THE SIXTIES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 16 January 1926, Page 5

IN THE SIXTIES.

BATTLEFIELDS REVISITED. VETERANS FROM WANGANUI. At the ceremony of the unveiling of the Memorial Cairn to the soldiers, killed at the attack on Otapawa there were two Maori war veterans present who had journeyed from Wanganui to take part in the function. These two old warirors were stationed at the Oh awe (known at that time as the Waingongoro) redoubt during the troublesome times from 1866 to 1869. One was Tom Carey, late sergeant IStli Royal Irish Regiment, part of which regiment relieved the 57th Regiment at that redoubt a few days after the attack of Otapawa. He (Sergeant Carey) was present at the funeral of two of the 57tli Regiment men who died of wounds after their regiment had left Waingongoro, and was in charge of the firing party at the graveside. His visit on Wednesday last was his first since 1866. The other veteran from Wanganui was Tom Hickman, who was doing duty in this district from June 20 to July 12, 1868. He is one of the few survivors of the first attack on Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu. At that time he was a member of the Wellington Rangers, Captain Page being in command. It was on the latter date that the attack on Tnruturu-Mokai took place. Tire Waingongoro redoubt was abandoned, and the forces were sent to Waihi station —a number of the men being ordered on relief duty to Turuturu-Mokai, Veteran Hickman being among thefii. He was later, for many years, in the Armed Constabulary. While he was stationed at Waingongoro Corporal Sheenan was drowned whilst crossing the river and was buried in the Ohawe cemetery. Sergt. Hickman also went with Colonel Whitmore’s force to the East Coast. From that day until Wednesday last Veteran Hickman had never visited that historic spot.