MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 February 1935, Page 5

MAORI MEMORIES

By J.H.S. for “The Daily Times.”)

THE HUTT VALLEY. In 1846 a sensation among the rebel Maori tribes was created throughout New Zealand by tlio medical skill and kindly aid given by us to their sick and wounded fellows. This was a mode of warfare altogether new to them. Among the settlers and the friendly tribes there was a general feeling of confidence in the motives and ability of Governor Grey which had never previously been given to other Governors. This, and the forbearance of the settlers over the Wairau massacre, had so far prevented bloodshed in many outlying settlements. The land in the fertile Ilutt Valley however, which Wakefield bought from the so-called owners, was a sore point of contention. Captain Fitzroy paid £3OO to extinguish all native claims; but through the usual family squabble over inheritance, Rauparalia did not give Rangihaeata’s people their fair share.

Seventeen Hutt settlers were robbed by the Maoris in an organised raid, though individual thefts by them were almost unknown. Governor Grey with 200 soldiers came hurriedly from Auckland, and several Wellington Chiefs offered him loyal help. By their advice the 680 troops did not attack the enemy fort in the hills; but simply cut off access to their cultivations in the valley. This now mode of war caused the rebels to retire inland for a season.

Several months later they stole past the sentries and murdered a boy and an old man Gillespie, leaving word that everyone on disputed land would be served in the same way. Rauparalia wrote that he would surrender _ the culprit; but on reaching the appointed place, Rangihaeata intervened, and said it could not be doe, because by a breach of faith 200 soldiers had occupied his stronghold near Porirua. The stonework of that place may still be seen north of the Tailway bridge. A month later Mamaku attacked 50 soldiers at Boulcott’s farm, killing six in the darkness. Here the bravo boy Bugler Allen was killed/ In June, another attack on soldiers resulted in two being killed and six wounded. Mr Rush was also killed for cultivating disputed land. All settlers on approved purchases were safe. Confident in numbers and resources, the enemy despised our soldiers, and our allies were losing faith in us. Captain Grey, upon whose initiative alone we depended, soon justified our faith, as will be seen later.