A TROPHY OF WAR.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1205, 5 April 1895, Page 34

A TROPHY OF WAR.

During, the recent removal of the archives and muniments of the Native Office consequent upon the alterations being made to the Government Buildings a strange relic of turbulent times was brought to light. It was a Hauhau flag that had often floated above the warriors of Te Kooti - when that celebrated chief was carrying on a guerilla warfare against the colonial forces who were pursuing him through the East Coast district. By an odd chance Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell was in the buildings when the old flag was turned out of its hiding place, and he at once recognised it as a trophy that had fallen into his own hands. The circumstances associated with it are thu* detailed by himself : —“ On the 25th January, 1870, my camp (Tapapa) was attacked at day-dawn by Te Kooti and Hakaraia. I took a party of Arawas and went to our left rear to cut off the enemy, who were hotly engaged with the friendly Ngarauru, and soon came upon a body of men kneeling who had a flag in their midst that I took to be a Union Jack. Making certain they were our own people I continued our advance until within 30yds of 1 them, when they fired upon us, and eventually they retreated to the forest. A few day® after this (2nd February) I came upon ono of Te Kooti’s camping places at Te Ore, not far from Tapapa. The enemy had vacated it within the hour, and had left everything behind them except their arms. In the camp I found this flag, also some ammunition. A prisoner captured by Captain Proese some days after recognised the flag as being oue of those Te Kooti had with him when he attacked us at Tapapa." 1 The Premier, upon learning of the “ find ” and its historical associations, with graceful consideration directed that it should be presented to the gallant colonel. Mr Seddon has just received the following acknowledgment from Colonel McDonnell : —“ Brougham street, 28th March, 1895. Dear Sir, —I beg to thank you for your decision about the old Hauhau flag, which I have received from Mr Haselden this morning. The sight of it reminds me of troublous times, happily passed away, I trust, for ever.—Yours faithfully, Thos, McDonnell. The Hon. R. Seddon, Premier.”