MAORI MEMORIES
(By J.H.S. for “The Daily Times.”)
PEACE OR WAR.
The presence of a large body of Imperial troops in Auckland during those early days of peace among the Maoris has its sequel and parallel in Europe to-day. Then, as now, “the Natives” wonder why the soldiers are kept, unless it is with the deliberate intention by interested parties to promote war.
The Maoris asked themselves and us this simple question, “Why are the English troops kept here when we so earnestly want peace and honest dealing?” They had not hitherto been convinced of our military superiority, for we had failed in every encounter. Our early estimate of the force to conquer New Zealand was 100 militia to capture every pa in New Zealand, until now we find that 20,000 soldiers fail to subdue one district. The fact is that the Government and the citizens of Auckland found the presence of a large body of British paid troops of enormous benefit to trade, production and revenue. Of course not a hint was permitted to reach our Press or the House of Commons.
In the war against Heke, our friendly Maoris under Tamati Waka won. against superior numbers who had inferior weapons, but this is not told in the histories of New Zealand. In Taranaki the loss of life was about the same on each side, but the Maoris destroyed or carried away £150,000 of our property. In the open, the Maoris knew that they had no chance against our rifles; but in ambuscade, which they call “Maori artillery,” they had a distinct advantage. In warfare, the Maoris kill only men and boys, all others being tapu. Our long range guns reach their women and girls, so we are regarded as heartless brutes.
MAORI MEMORIES
Wairarapa Daily Times, 10 January 1938, Page 4
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