“SMUGGLERS” AND “PIRATES”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18786, 21 May 1923, Page 4

“SMUGGLERS” AND “PIRATES”

SUGGESTED MOTION PICTURE. DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS’ VISIT. TARANAKI GETTING IN EARLY. Who is there that has not thrilled at the pictured feats of the derringdo by Douglas Fairbanks? Who is there that has escaped the charm of Mary Pickford, his wife, and wished that they might see them both in the flesh? Now (says the ’News' ) there is a possibility that the desire may be fulfilled, that these popular film favourites may visit New Plymouth, and, what is more, that they may stage a pirate or smuggling picture m the district, with Fairbanks as the- redoubtable “Bully Hayes.” At least, that is the hope of tile Taranaki Tourist and Expansion League. The president (Mr. G. Fraser) staled at last week’s meeting that he had written Mr. S. Blair, Fairbanks’ advance representative, pointing out the advantage of this locality for such a purpose.

“It is reported that you have come to New Zealand with a view to selecting a locality for making pictures of a romantic type,” Mr. Fraser had written. “I venture to suggest that you visit the Taranaki district. Taranaki is probably tile richest district in New Zealand in historical interest and scenery. It has a large Maori population, who are intelligent and interested in the traditions ol their race.

"Is there not a story in Dicky Barrett, the English whaler, whose grave is a couple of miles from here?” continued the writer. “He had married a Maori princess and lived in state. In the early twenties some seven thousand Waikato Natives made one of their periodical raids on Taranaki, stormed the strongest Taranaki pa at Pukerangiora (10 miles north), killed the defenders, ate all they could, and decided to clean up the Ngatiawa tribe at the Sugar Loaves, and so acquire this great shark fishing ground. At the approach* of katos the terrified handful of Ngatiawas decided to fly to the heavy bush round Mt. Egmont, but Barrett, Love, and three or lour other white whal ers, had some small cannons, weapons practically unknown to the Maoris of that day. They rallied the Ngatiawas, and, after a siege of four weeks, drove back the hordes from the north. The beach was strewn with dead, upon which the victors feasted. During the siege a whaling vessel came in from Sydney and kept up a trade with both parties. Barrett’s little cannon is in New Plymouth museum,together with his old try-pots, which he used in the whaling industry.

“Perhaps the most suitable district for you would be the beautiful bush-clad .Mokau River. There are little caves and a long stretch of sandy beach, just as it was a century ago. There is a small island near the mouth, which was an old Maori stronghold, and in more recent days associated with the whisky smugglers, for this is a dry area. A mile lor two south, at the Mohakatino River, is an old Maori stronghold, | the Kawau pa. The action of the ■sea has made a small precipitous [island at the mouth.' In olden days this was the gate to Taranaki. A few miles away, at Mahoenui, are limestone caves, equalling, it is said, The Waitomo Caves, but practical!., unexplored. This country would make a great background for pirate or smuggling stuff, and it is access ible by a good motor road.” , To this Mr. Blair replied stating the information was very valuable to him. There was no need lor him to express the interest he had taken in the suggestions. “At this stage,” he continued, "1 am planned to work to schedule, as Mr. Drew, the pub licity officer of the Government, is arranging for a special steamer for me to cruise dow r n the Wanganui River. As soon as I am aware of my exact movements I will notify you whether it will be possible tor me tc visit your town and interview you personally.” "1 consider the Mokau River is far superior to the Wanganui for a Fairbanks picture,” commented Mr. Fraser. It had been said that Bully Hayes, the pirate, had visited the Wanganui River, but the only reference the speaker could find to such an event was one concerning the theft of some pigs. He had sent Mr. Blair some photos and booklets. “The ittea is to get as much pub licity for the district as possible,” continued the chairman. "Even if they don’t come here the views, etc., will go to America; we. don’t know how far they may go after that.” Other- members agreed that it would be a fine opportunity for publicity, aud that the Mokau River and other parts would make suitable lo cales for motion pictures.