MAORIS AS WARRIORS

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8756, 18 April 1890, Page 3

MAORIS AS WARRIORS

K> TDB EDITOR.

Sir, — I read tho statement of Mr Edward Wakefield with reference to the so called " The Maori as a Warrior," in the Budoei" of the 12th inst., and with best regards towards the Maori I must say he is not a first-class warrior, as Mr Wakefield endeavours to make the inhabitants of this planet believe. I, in company with my comrades, fought the Maoris as a British soldier, which qualifies me to give an opinion. At the battle of Kakaratnea the Maoris opened fire upon our brigade a few hundred yards from the ridge. Our brigade consisted of the 18th, 50th, 57th, and 68th Regiments, commanded by General Sir D. A. Cameron. Tho General sent tho 57th and GBth Regiments to attack the Maoris and put them oil' tho Kakaramea ridge. Tho 18th and 50th Regiments halted a proper distance from tho sighting lino until the fighting line disposed of the Maoris. The bugle sounded " Advance and fire!" and then wo gave them a warm salute. The Maoris had a good opportunity of shooting our men during the time we were getting into position to attack them. They only killed one man, named Xixon, and wounded a few more. When we got within about 00 yards of the ridge, the command was given to charge, but instead of the Maoris remaining on tho ridge to give us battle, except a. few wu found under ilux bushes, tho remainder ran away <lo\rn the hill into the swamp. That proves them not to be first-class warriors, without advancing another fact. The Maoris lost about 40 killed- The battle was fought on the 13th March, 1865. — I am, &c,

A Crimean Warrior (late 57th Regiment).