FALL OF RUAPEKAPEKA

Hawera Star, Volume L, 15 January 1931, Page 7

FALL OF RUAPEKAPEKA

DRAMATIC COUP RECALLED,

MAORIS TR APPED AT PRAYER

The anniversary on Sunday of the capture of Euapekapcka (“The Bat’s Nest”), near the 'Bay of Islands, on January 11, IS4O, recalls one of the most important and dramatic events in the history of the early Maori wars. After the rebel chief Hone lleke had four times cut down the tin testa If at Kororarcka, martial law was proclaimed, and a, badly-equipped British force was sent in pursuit of him. Kawiti, and other disaffected chiefs. In May, l'Slo, they were beaten off from Heke’s pa at Okaihau, and on July .1 under Colonel Despard they suffered a disastrous defeat. in attempting to storm Ohaewai. • It was shortly after this that 'Governor Grey, afterwards Sir George Grey, arrived to take charge, and when the rebels refused to submit he mustered a well-equipped force of Europeans and native allies to the number of 1500 under Colonel Despard and advaneed in person upon the rebel stronghold of Euapekapcka. A siege and bombardment was long continued, and the pa’s defences were much broken when Ileke arrived with 70 men and urged the defenders to retire to the bush, where the,big guns could not follow. Only Kawiti and a few' men remained.

“'The end came on January 11, 2 840,” writes Mulgan, in his account of the event. “The day was Sunday, and, not expecting an attack, the Maoris kept no watch. While Heke’s people and most of the soldiers were at prayer, Waka Nene’s brother (a friendly chief) discovered that the pa was illdefended, and signalled up his people. The fort was at once rushed by Maoris, followed by soldiers and sailors. Taken completely off his guard, Kawiti retreated with his men, and effected a junction with Hekc.

"The rebels then advanced to regain possession of their own pa, buf, linding the (yoops were not to be enticed away from its shelter into an ambush, and having already lost 23 men, Ilelce gave the signal for retirement. So decisive a blow established the rnana of the now Governor, and convinced the rebels of the futility of resistance. On a free pardon being granted, the rebellion collapsed. Thereafter the Northern Maoris continued to be staunchly loyal subjects of the Crown, giving no trouble even during the storm v days of the Waikato war. ”