AN HISTORICAL FILM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 11

AN HISTORICAL FILM.

THE SIEGE OF ORAKAU. IFro% O or Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, May 4. An interesting chapter in the history of New Zealand was enacted at Rotorua yesterday, when a very realistic filming took place of Rewi’s last stand at Orakau in 1864. The him drama was produced by Mr R. Hayward, and the historical part of tho battle was supervised by Mr J. Cowan, who wrote a history of the Maori wars. Assistance in regard to details was given by Captain Roberts, of Rotorua, who was one of the original Forest Rangers under Captain von Tempsky. and who also took part in the seigo of Orakau. Included among thoso present were two or three old Maoris who vere also engaged in the original siege.. The preparation for the filming of the drama entailed a considerable amount of work, which occupied two weeks. About 150 yards of trenches were constructed in the Waipa Valley. The actors in the drama totalled 350 Maoris and whites. Territorials and cadets acted the part of British soldiers, and a number of local rough-riders wore engaged as cavalry. The “enemy” consisted of Maoris from Whakarowarewa. The field guns used in tho action were some that had been in service in tho Maori war, and were lent by the Government. About 1000 spectators watched the “battle” from a safe distance. The reproduction of the siege was not altogether bloodless, as about six of the combatants were injured. Mr W. Collins received a scalp wound through an old-fashioned smooth bored rifle bursting, and Mr J. Goessie had his hands burnoa by two bombs which exploded prematurely. Neither of them was soriously injured. # A few other combatants received minor injuries during the bayonet charges, and some of the hostile Maoris had their faces singed _ through getting too close to the soldiers’ rifles.