VISIBLE HISTORY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20768, 10 January 1931, Page 8

VISIBLE HISTORY.

There falls to-morrov,* a memorable anniversary, that of the close of New Zealand's first war, between Maori and Pakeha, the prolonged struggle often called Hoke's war but better described as the war in the north. Jt was on another Sunday, January 11, in the faraway 'forties, that the capture of the Ruapekapeka pa, a stronghold cleverly constructed by Kawiti, with whom Hone Hcke had joined forces, ended a contest that had previously gone sadly against the white troops. The story, with its sequel of reconciliation and unbroken friendship in the north, holds much worth recall. It is now given mention particularly because the scene of the dramatic climax of the struggle has been recently treated as many another place of historic renown in tho Dominion should be. For long years the deserted pa, included in farming land a few miles from Kawakawa, had little heed and absolutely no care. Its palisades were broken, much of them burnt, the skilfully contrived earthworks were trodden into partial ruin by cattle, and the untended growth of fern and scrub hid the thought and purpose of its making. Not long ago, however, a few local enthusiasts in history, enlisting the practical help necessary to give their wishes due effect, had the place made a public reserve and got its old outlines restored, so that it now speaks clearly to the eye of the very interesting and instructive past in which it played a part. Here and there, throughout this country, are places worthy of preservation in like manner. Some of them have got beyond repair, some are utterly obliterated; but it is not too late to have others put in order and protected from destruction. It is a work worth doin<i. Not all of these places are associated with old enmities ; some are silently commemorative of discovery anrl hopeful enterprise. They arc all valuable as landmarks of admonishing and inspiring history, and neglect of them would be unfair to both the past and the future.