HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Waipa Post, Volume 50, Issue 3604, 11 April 1935, Page 5

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

exhibition of old curios. GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE. Another meeting of the Te Awamutu Historical Society uas held on Wednesday evening, the president (Mr J. Oliphant) occupying the chair. Mr J. G. Gifford reported, in connection with the old printing press discovered on the banks of the Waipa river at Pokuru, the progressive steps taken. He had pleasure in stating that Mr H. Washer, ot Hawera, the owner ot the land, had written instructing that the press be handed over to the society with his good wishes. Mr Gifford added that it would be wise to get the press removed before winter. The president read his letter to Mr Washer, detailing the facts.-—Approv-ed, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the donor. At this stage Mr Swarbrick read an extract from “The History of the New Zealand Wars,” (James Cowan), bearing on the press, by which it was shown that the press was sent out to New Zealand at the instance of Hochstetter, from the Emperor of Austria, in return for kindness accorded Hochstetter while in New Zealand. The press was used at Ngaruawahia, and later sent to Kopua, where it has lain for many years. Plans were made to bring the press to Te Awamutu next Saturday, if possible—or that part of it that is available —and to inquire of neighbouring settlers if any smaller parts are obtainable. The secretary, Rev. E. G. Jansen, said he had been seeking information on the subject of Maori adzes, and other cutting implements, and that he was collating the information obtained from various well-wishers and authorities. He proposed to prepare an essay on the subject for a later meeting. Correspondence was received from various museum curators and kindred Historical Societies, and a copy of the memorandum from the council of the Auckland Society setting out the progress of negotiations for instituting the New Zealand Historical Society, and the views of locally established societies. It was added that Lord Bledisloe had been urged to accept the position of patron of the Dominion society, and this was universally approved. It was also recommended that Mr D. Lindsay Buick, the well known author of “Old Marlborough” and “Old Manawatu,” should oe the first president. Mr J. W. King, secretary of the Auckland Society, had consented to act as interim secretary. A letter was received from Mr James Cowan on the subject of providing marks over graves of prominent Maoris as well as pakeha, who fought in the Waikato War, notably at Orakau and Paterangi. He urged that the patriot Maori graves were just as much entitled to distinguishing marks as the pakeha, yet at Orakau dairy stock are . nowadays depastured on the sites of the graves. Mr Cowan forwarded a very interesting description of the battle grounds at Paterangi, Rangiaowhia and Orakau, and suggested that definite marks be erected defining the areas, with, if possible, an inscribed stone so that present day and future visitors might, be informed of the facts. In part of the Orakau fortification about 40 Maoris who fell there hi the historic fight were buried, and later trees were planted there; but now these have all disappeared. It was suggested, during the resultant discussion, that the spot, where Colonel Nixon was shot at Rangiaowhia (Hairini) should also be prominently marked. Air Oliphant said that Air Cowan had written to the Government in 1920 urging that the graves be loeatid and marked; but nothing had apparently been done. 'Mr Swarbrick told of the store erected at Mangapouri (the site of the first mission station in the Waipa county) by the Anglican Church authorities at small cost. The president said the local R.S.A. was arranging to permanently ’ mark the 27 graves of retui’ned soldiers in the local cemetery, at a cost of about £75. Air Oliphant said he had been handed a very ancient gourd and stone axe, loaned to the society, and Mr Gifford was prepared to loan to the society quite a number of curious, comprising a taraha, carved lintel, a korowai bag, a richly carved sword, bayonet and sheath, paddle used for river canoeing, a very old wooden canoe baler, etc. It was decided to inquire if some suitable display cases are available from the Auckland Museum authorities, so that the articles collected locally may be effectively displayed locally. The need for more funds with which to procure equipment—for instance a loose leaf ledger in which to file records—maps, and mapping material, etc., was referred to, and the fact that the membership subscription is only 2s 6d precludes the society having funds with which to make purchases unless there is a big increase in membership. Present members were urged to enrol new members from the many well-wishers.