MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 18 February 1935, Page 4

MAORI MEMORIES

(By J.H.S. for “The Daily Times.’’)

“WHENCE COME WARS?”

In the early forties after the repeated cutting down of the Kororareka 4 flagstaff, the colony had never been in a more - critical state. To prevent complete financial collapse, the Legislative Council passed a bill to authorise the issue of “legal tender” to the amount of £15,000, a privilege now confined to the Lower House. Settlers were in utter extremity and distress, ami only those driven to dig their seed JJSatoes for sustenance can realise their starving condition. In 1844 news came to Maoris and Pakehas that the committee of the House of Commons had condemned the Treaty of Waitangi. As tho Governor and our churches had instilled a belief among the Maori owners that it was the ono thing which preserved their titles, the effect was disastrous to both races.

Heke’s active opposition to land settlement was intensified, although, in accordance with Tamati Waka Nene’s promise, both shrank from shedding human blood. Proclamations offered £I.OO for the capture of Hoke, and a similar sum for those Maoris who had destroyed property. In those days the reward seemed to be a fabulous sum; but thero were no bids from the Maoris, who asked: “Is' Ileke a pig to be bought or sold?”

Early in March, Heke captured Lieut. Philpott, R.N., and in proof of 4|Jta sincere desire for peace,’ told the m sionary he had released his unharmed. The priest preached t 6~ I L-V Maoris an eloquent sermon from the text in James: “Whence conm wars and fightings?” Heke arose a® advised him to preach that sermoirLn the English camp, where it was more applicable. Again the flagstaff was cut down and the town then destroyed. The children who escaped from tho panic-stricken place were safely returned to their parents by-the Maoris. In more than one instance, - women were seen pulling a blanket against an armed Maori. The scrimmage with the unarmed part of the settlers was carried on with the best spi'rM by the Maori. The haggard and panic-stricken settlers arrived in Auckland, and terror became apparent when it was announced that Heke was coming to attack the town. This panic spread to Wellington, -where. Clifford’s stockade was hastily built. At Nelson the same fears arose.