MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 December 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

A BREACH OF FAITH. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) I In a later letter from Renata,' published in Parliament Papers in 1863, it is shown that Rewi, on his way to negotiate the proposed terms of settlement, was met by news that his people had been driven off their lands, that the agreed boundary had been crossed by British soldiers, and that Huirama had been killed by them. This at once destroyed our credit for benevolence and justice. The Maoris recalled previous convictions that as soon as the pakeha had sufficient strength they intended to attack as an excuse for robbing them of the sacred lands of their fathers. The only excuse offered by the invaders was stated by the Maori Council thus: —“We propose to take the lands of those tribes who have rebelled, give part to the military settiers, who will protect the colonists in their peaceloving money-making. Part will be sold to immigrants to pay costs of the war, and another part reserved for the conquered Maoris, who, it is hoped, will 'suddenly turn to peaceful work and live at peace with the pakeha intruders.”

The effect of this scheme, if carried out, would be to exterminate the Maoris on false pretences at the cost of the British Government. Another result, of this idea was to retain the British troops which were so profitable to the colony. In August, 1863, Sir George Grey’s despatch tried to justify that action thus:—“The Waikato chiefs without provocation caused Europeans to be murdered and planned wholesale destruction of settlements. It is, therefore, necessary to take efficient steps for permanent security and to prevent other tribes from similar action.”