THE OPEPE MASSACRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20131, 17 December 1928, Page 12

THE OPEPE MASSACRE.

REMINDER OF GRIM TRAGEDY.

GRAVEYARD IN THE BUSH. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Sunday. Situated in a secluded spot in the bush at Opepe, 11 miles from Taupo, on the Taupo-Napior Road, there is a little graveyard which is a reminder of a tragic episodo during the Maori war. In two graves in tho enclosuro are buried nine British soldiers who were massacred by a band of Mariri warriors led by To Kooti on Juno 6, 1869. They were membors of a party of 14 Bay of Plenty cavalrymen who wore encamped at tho spot. Not suspecting that tho enemy was anywhere in the vicinity the soldiers piled thoir arms and wont about their camp duties. A number of Maoris appeared and made friendly overtures. Still unsuspoct ing, tho soldiers reciprocated the good feelings expressed. Tho Maoris adroitly found thoir way to a position between the soldiers ar.d their arms, and, reinforced by other Muoris who sprang from the bush they treacherously attacked the sol'diers and killed nine of them. Five of tho party escaped, and, after terrible hardships, made their way, ill-clothed and without food, through the bush to Whakatano.

Thosb killed were Sergeant M. Slattor, Troopers E. Lawson, J. Bidois, J. Cook, F. Uile, C. Johnston, H. G. Ross, A. McHillup and C. Potior. Those who escaped were Cornet A. Smith, Sergeant Dotto, Troopers Lockwood, Stephenson and C. Cresswell. Several >ther soldiers who died at a later date are buried in the graveyard. In the vicinity are a disused well, which was made by the soldiers, and a water trough, which had been constructed like a canoe oul of a log. The graveyard is a few yards off the road and is in a good state of preservation. A picket fence, which has been painted white, and notice boards indicate where the massacre occurred.