WAIRAU MASSACRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 21047, 27 May 1938, Page 8

WAIRAU MASSACRE

Discovery of Skelton BELIEVED TO BE THAT OF PRINCESS TE RONGA By Telegraph —Press Association BLENHEIM. May 26. A discovery which appears to be of historical importance was made near the scene of the Wairau massacre at Tua Marina yesterday afternoon when Main Highways Board workmen engaged in widening the corner below Massacre Hill unearthed the skeleton ol a Maori wom.,n. believed to be that of the native Princess Tt Ronga, whose death precipitated the massacre. It is considered that the skeleton is between 90 and 100 years old, and the skull bears a bullet hole which gives rise to the theory that the remains arc those of Te Ronga, daughter of Te Rauparaha and wife of Te Kangihaetea, Te Rauparaha’s lieutenant. According to the history of the massacre Te Ronga was killed by a chance bullet tired by one of the white party, and in the ensuing fight and massacre 22 Europeans lost their lives. This morning the remains were examined by Dr. W. E. Redman and Mr W. J. Elvy, both students of Maori history. Dr. Redman positively identified the skeleton as that of a female between 25 and 30 years of age. Around the neck was a greenstone tiki pendant of unusual design comprising the crude representation of a head only. Significantly enough an ancient bullet found at Tua Marina some years ago which was produced this morning fitted the bullet hole in the skull. The appearances indicate that the burial was carried out hurriedly. The skeleton was found about two feet below the surface lying on its left side, facing east. It was trussed in the usual way with the knees and hands drawn up towards the chin.