KAWITI'S PAH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7069, 10 April 1901, Page 3

KAWITI'S PAH.

A MODEL IN THE MUSEIBf. One of the most- interesting curios received by the Museum, for a considerable time js a model of Kawiti's Pah, at Ruapekapeka, recently placed in the Maori B-oiise. This model was one of three models of pahs made by Colonel, then Lieutenant, Balaeavis in 1848-49. It was sent to England, and exhibited in the Crystal Palace-Exhi-bition of 1851. A second also went to England, and* the third* to ■Jrlbbar-t i the Museum possessing a copy of the last. Some time ago Captain' Hutton wrote to Sir Walter Buller, asking for a copy of the model of Kawiti's Pah, and Sir. Walter very generously sent the original. The model is most cleverly made, aJid is correct in every .particular. There are two walls or stockades, the inner 'Higher than the outer, made of pointed stakes driven into the ground and bound together at the tops. At the corners are cafcved posts. The gates are so arranged tfiat an enemy, after passing through the first fence, would have to go some distance^between the two fences before reaching a gate into the pah proper. Inside the second fence is a deep trench, backed by a wall, tie whole making a very complete defence against anything but : heavy guns. Inside the pah are hues and detached lengths of stockading. The model is complete, even to the mats hanging out to dry in rlie centre, and is especially valuable since it will be impossible for any anor.e authentic models- of the old war pah's to be made.