THE FLAGSTAFF RE-ERECTED

Te Ao Hou, October 1956, Page 46

THE FLAGSTAFF RE-ERECTED For many years after Heke's final felling of the flagstaff (it was felled three times) it had remained down. The pakehas, no doubt fearing another rising, wisely left it alone till some twelve years later. Kawiti had passed on. His youngest son Maihi, had become chief in his stead. During the war Kawiti sent him away to Mangakahia—to use the Maori term, “hei putanga tangata”, a remnant of the tribe, in case of defeat. After Kawiti's death Maihi returned. It was to him then that Waaka Nene came, proposing that he was the fit person to re-erect the flagstaff. Maihi replied “Mau ano e whakaara tau tupapaku”. “You resurrect your own corpse”. After further representations Maihi agreed to set up the pole. A kauri pole was procured from up the Whangai River about a mile or so from Opua. The re-erection of the flagstaff took place during the time of Governor Gore-Browne. It then became known as the Maihi Flagstaff. As a mark of appreciation, and to show the friendly relation between them, Maihi accepted Governor Gore-Browne's proposal of using Browne as a namesake so Maihi became Marsh Browne Kawiti. There is also a seal, said to signify Queen Victoria's hand on a clenched female hand of ivory. This was presented by the Governor, and is still in possession of Maihi's descendants. As a “whariki” or mat for the flag to repose on, Maihi offered to the Governor all lands between Karetu and Moerewa to north of Waiomio and as far south as the Ruapekapeka Pa. This offer was accepted but was paid for at half the value. Whereas Kawiti was a warrior whose past-time was fighting, Maihi was different. He was more peaceful, and he spent much time in settling his people into a more peaceful system of living. There were many difficulties. The Maoris at this period, were still in the twilight of the dawning day. They were still trigger-happy—or shall we say “patiti” happy. The least provocation or even suspicion of provocation would start off a chain of events which took a great deal of trouble to stop. Tribes, who were allies in war, found that when they tried to settle down in peace, they were again in opposite camps regarding land rights, but their differences were now resolved by more civilised means. Te ao tawhito was drawing to a close, Te Ao Hou welcomed the dawn of a new day. The old net is cast aside, the new net goes afishing. Wellington Diocesan Synod was told last week that 64 Maori scholars now hold scholarships from the Otaki and Porirua Trusts Board. Seventeen of these are attending Anglican schools. Delegates said it was most satisfactory to note that a number of scholarships had been renewed for the third, fourth and fifth years. This meant that the parents were placing the true value on higher education. It was revealed that the number of scholarships from another trust board, the Papawai and Kaikokirikiri, has increased over the last three years from 60 to 112, of which 36 are held at Anglican schools. Seven students are also receiving grants for higher education.