WAIRAU MASSACRE RECALLED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 123, 27 May 1938, Page 8

WAIRAU MASSACRE RECALLED

DISCOVERY OF SKELETON BELIEVED TO BE THAT OF PRINCESS TE RONGA. BULLET HOLE IN SKULL. [ Per Fre»» Association. I 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 a corner below Massacre Hill, unearthed the skeleton of a Maori woman believed tc be that of the native Princess Te 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 a theory that the remains are those of Princess Te Ronga, daughter of Te Rauparaha and wife of Te Rangihaetea, Te Rauparaha’s lieutenant. According to the history of the massacre Princess Te Ronga w'as killed by a chance bullet fired by one of a white party, and in the ensuing fight and massacre twenty-two Europeans lost their lives. This morning the remains w ere examined by Dr. W. E. Redman and Mr. W. J. Elvy, both students of Maori history. Mr. 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 a crude representation of a head only. Significantly enough, an ancknt bullet found at Tua Marina some years ago. when produced this morning, fitted the bullet hole in Ihe skull. Appearances indicate that burial was carried out hurriedly. 'The skeleton was found about two feet below ihe surface, lying on its left side, facing ihe east. It was trussed in the usual way, with knees and hands drawn up toward Ihe chin.