WHITECLIFFS MASSACRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 February 1916, Page 8

WHITECLIFFS MASSACRE.

THE WHITE LEY MEMORIAL. AN INTERESTING CEREMONY. Pukearuhe is a smiling fertile agricultural district, with the waves of the Pacific ever lapping the white cliffs above which it lies, and which are a landmark for many miles. It is hard to realise Hint within the past half century it was the scene of a massacre, when eight persons—Rev. J. Whitelcy, Lieut, fiascoyne, his wile and three children, Messrs Milne and Richards—lost their lives as the result of a raid by a war party of the Ngatimaniapotos. 'The old blockhouse—now doing,duty as a sheepshed—with its grim rows "of loopholes, bears silent testimony to the troublous times, whilst there is yet in existence the old officers' mess, where Lieutenant Gascoync resided. The spot is, indeed, ah historical one, and it was still further so marked yesterday, when a tablet was unveiled to the memory of the late Rev. John Whitelcy, whose name is revered throughout Taranaki and NewZealand generally. There was a large and representative attendance, both of local people and visitors, a feature being the presence of a number of Maoris, among whom the Rev. John Whitelcy was held in high esteem. Among those present were several relatives of the great missionary, including Mr. H. Rawson (grandson)', Mrs. H. Rawson and their son Whiteley Rawson, Master Dan. Rawson, another greatgrandson (son of Judge Rawson), Miss Rawson and Mrs. Bertalot (nee Hood), grand-daughters; Rev. W. Canuell and Colonel Messenger, who were closely associated with the Rev. Whiteley; 'Captain Cameron, who was in charge of the surf boat in which the bodies were removed to Waitara; Revs. A. B Chappel] and C. IT. Olds.

Rev. C. H. Olds opened with a short prayer.

[ Rev. A. B. Chappell, who presided, expressed his pleasure at seeing so many who had come from far and near to show respect and reverence for one whose work they were about to commemorate. He apologised for the absence of the Rev. T. 0. Hammond, chairman of the Taranaki-Wanganui District and superintendent of the Maori Mission. This function, though of private origin, was accepted and sanctioned by the Methodist Church. Pukearuhe was one of the sacred spots of New Zealand. Though a little afield from the ordinary route of travel, in years to come it would be an object of pilgrimage, not only of members of Whiteley Church, but of others who hpnored the sacrifice Whiteley had made. Here had happened one of those tragedies that made it possible for us to live in this land. The war party had made up their minds to sweep away all the settlers, but such was their repugnance at killing Rev. John Whiteley that the raiding party broke up. His refusai to go back meant his own death and the lives of others. Though he did not know it, he sacrificed himself for' others. They were gathered together, after 47 years, to pay a tribute to an heroic life and faithful death. Rev. W. Cannell said he came to New Plymouth in 18(10 to assist the Rev. Whiteley. He lived first in town and then at the mission station. Afcr being a year with him he found it too dangerous and had to live in town. As his superintendent the Rev. John Whiteley was exceedingly kind and gentle. Every Thursday or Friday he would leave New Plymouth on "Charlie" (his white horse), making his way to Pukearuhe or some other outpost for Sunday. How he toiled and labored faithfully! Though in the South Island at the time of the massacre, Mr. Cannell said he could imagine the scene—the Maoris telling Mr. Whiteley to go back and Mr. Whiteley refusing, saying; "No, you have been at mischief." And so he died for his Master.

Colonel Messenger, who was captain in charge of the militia settlers for three yenvs, and afterwards resided at iMimi, said he was an intimate friend of Wliiteley, whom he had seen a few hours before the tragedy. Mr. Wliiteley came to his place en route to the White Cliffs to hold service, and both tile speaker and his wife asked liim to stay, as it was raining. He declined, but asked if they would row him across the river on his return next day. As it rained all that day and he did not return, they thought he had staved at White Cliff's all night. Next day two natives came for Captain Good at Urenui and asked him to go to White Cliffs, as they suspected evil work. Arranging with the Maoris to take his wife and children to Urenui, if he did not return, he went and met a man who told him that he had seen the body of Mr. Wliiteley in the burnt blockhouse. Later, he came up with Major Stapp and found the body. He read a confession from a Maori of the war party, which showed that one man fired the first shot, killing the horse. Then five others fired, and Mr. Wliiteley fell dead. It appeared they were going to divide some plunder when they saw a man coming, and a Maori said: "Whether it is a white man or a Maori, kill him!" This was a custom among the Maoris. Mr. Wliiteley was asked to go back by the natives, but declined to do sa,

Rev. A. B. Chappell said there were two points of view of the massacre, that of the natives and ours. They did not quite coincide. We say it was murder, as there was no war at the time. The Ngatimaniapotos . say that there had been no peace declared; they were still at war, and the massacre was consequently justified. Candour and true historic sympathy compelled us to consider this new point. They had not met that day as a mark of antipathy to the Xati.e people, nor to show vengeance, or keep alive what to us was a crime, but solely to mark a spot where a martyred minister of Christ laid down his life. They were indebted to Mr. Davis, the owner of the property, for allowing the tablet to be erected, and he hoped that before long a pedestal would be erected to prevent it being violated by cattle. Though the present tablet was a private gift, he would be pleased to receive contributions far its protection. Wliiteley Rawson then lifted the Union Jack from off the tablet, which irs an unpretentious sandstone slab bearing the simple inscription: To JOH.V WHITKLEY, Wiio was killed here on February 13, 18G9. Erected by his relatives.

Beneath this is the same inscription in the 'Maori language.

The Benediction closed this portion of the eeremanv.

Those present were then the guests of the ladies of the district at an al fresco afternoon tea, dispensed by Mesdames \V. J. Freeth, P. Wells, C. Rowe, Milne, Bowman, B. Wells, A. Davia, A. Penwarden, Gilbert and Cartwright. In the evening there was a large attendance in the schoolroom, when the Rev. A. 3. Chappell gave a very interesting address on the life and work of *'ie late Rev. J. Whitele-