MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 19 February 1935, Page 4

MAORI MEMORIES

(By J.H.S. for “The Daily Times.”) SOLDIERS AND SAVAGE ALLIES. Quick to absorb any simple code of honour or chivalry by Britihs military officers or civilians, the Maoris were most appreciative in the strict observance of the white flag of peace (toliu marire). Until after the sacking of Kororareka they had, from its first revelation to them by the British, observed it as a tohu tapu or sacred emblem even where it meant a distinct advantage to their opponents. The campaign which followed the affair of the flagstaff, commenced with an episode which was a rude shock to the Maori people in their confidence of our honour in war if not in land and commerce. Pomare, one who was prominent in the raid on Kororareka, was taken prisoner and his pa burned while actually flying a white ensign of peace. Pomare was released at Auckland with a present of a boat as compensation, this being a recognition of our having wronged him. The newly-arrived soldiers of the 58th and 96th regiments, 400 in all, were utterly amazed when an equal number of “almost naked cannibal savages led by Waka Nene’s scantily attired wife, welcomed us as allies, with protruding tongues and the contortions of their war dance.” Still more were they astounded when they saw and heard these simple people worshipping the God of the Christians each night and morning. A chief in broken English, used for their benefit, prayed that God in his mercy would also convert these soldiers to the true faith, and take away the heathen pride of their gaycoloured clothing. After many days march in cold driving rain, these allied soldiers and Maoris, SOO in all, lacking tents, commissariat, proper food, or munitions, lost nearly fifty men dead or wounded, in a futile attack on Heke’s stronghold at Okaihau.

ITeke wrote letters to the Governor, in which ho displayed a remarkable knowledge of Biblo history. These are referred to at some length in our official records. Among many taunts ho said: “If you make peace, bear no malice against your enemy. Like you. Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, Nieodcmus, Agrippa, and Ilerod were governors: did they confer any benefit, or did they not kill Jesus Christ ? ’ ’

Our regular troops were increased to 630, and several more chiefs offered assistance, among them Rube, father of the executed murderer Make Tu and the released prisoner Pomare. Eighty volunteer settlers from Auckland also recruited.