THE RANGIRIRI REBELS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 November 1929, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE RANGIRIRI REBELS.

In September, 1864, the Rangiriri rebels escaped from Kawau Island, where Sir Georgo Grey had confined them, and made their way to Rodney. These fierce, haughty, warriors, tatooed beyond description, two hundred strong, landed where the Whangateau wharf now stands; fifty odd being thirsty, called at my uncle's'home, and his mother gave each of them a cup of -water, then they proceeded to Tamahu Hill or Mount Hamilton, where they built their pah. Although their coming gave the settlers some concern, they acted within reason, for the local, chief had said that if the Government came to take. the rebels he would fight for them, but if they touched his " pakehas " he would fight them: Down from the mountain they -would troop to fish, and without the least ceremony walk into the kitchen and squat beside, the fire, while they lit their pipes and begged tobacco and fish hooks. Immediately the Maoris had left, Tamahu a settler set fire to the whares and burnt some of their belongings; for this " utu " or payment was demanded, and when they did not get it they started pilfering, with threats of burning. However, the local chief saw that the stolen articles were .returned, and- the burning was not carried out. It is believed that Governor Grey sent a private message to ihe Waikatos, saying that if they split liplinto • small parties and went home quietly they would no;; be molested, and there is reason to -believe it is true for that is the way they returned home, and the settlers at Big Omaha were left in peace. —By Arnott Meiklejohn, Pakotai (12 marks).