The Urewera Country

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 105, 5 May 1937, Page 6

The Urewera Country

FULL OF UNIQUE INTEREST Optimist W. Cameron presided over a good attendance at the-Optimists’ Club weekly luncheon yesterday. The speaker for the occasion was Mr. G. C. Petersen who gave a very interesting address on the history of the Urewera country. Mr. Petersen, who has recently returned from a ten days’ trip to these parts, stated that the Urewera country was possibly the least known region in New Zealand, although it held perhaps, the reputation of having tho oldest history. From its appearance it seemed a veritable rampart against invasion, by virtue of its extremely mountainous and difficult nature. It was stated that one of the earliest bodies of Europeans to explore extensively the country was an expedition party arranged by the Auckland Automobile Association in 1926. Tho Urewera boro a great historical romance, and was famous for tho Hau Hau Wars and the numerous escapades of Te Kooti. Lake Waikaremoana (The Sea of Rippling Waters) was also renowned as tho battleground of numerous tribal wars of the Maoris, while Maungapohatu was the earliest settling place of the natives in New Zealand. Tho Urewera country boro a direct connection with Palmerston North by reason of tho fact that tho late Captain Preece was engaged for several years in. that district in his efforts to capture tho famous rebel, To Kooti. This chaso extended over a period of live or six years. , Euatahuna, where Te Kooti mado his headquarters, was now regarded as the metropolis of tho Urewera, anc ere one found evidence of more modern civilisation among the Maoris. A short distance from here, at M-'atua, was the largest Maori meeting house in New Zealand, renowned for its beautiful curving and said to have been built by To lvootx in about 1860. Further on still at Te Whaiti was to be fouml more evidence of civilisation among tho natives, whilst there were also a good number of European settlers in this district, in conclusion, tho speaker pointed out that tho Urewera country was an ideal hunting ground for those keenly interested in the history of old New Zealand, -and was a trip not to bo missed when opportunity offered. At the: cone'’- on of his address, Mr. Petersen was accorded a vote of thanks for his most interesting and informative lecture. nv ' speaker for next Tuesday’s luncheon will be Mr. A. R. McKcgg.