BATTLE OF OTAPAWA PA

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 92, 12 January 1935, Page 2

BATTLE OF OTAPAWA PA

Maori War Anniversary Seventy-three years ago, on January 13. 1863, one of the most important engagements, in some respects the most important in the struggle between paJkeha ami Maori in Taranaki, took place. General Chute (called General “Shoot” by the Maoris) had decided upon an effort to reduce the stronghold at Otapawa. it occupied a very commanding position, and was considered the strongest fortification the natives had provided ; it was of historic repute, never having been captured in any Maori war—impregnable, in fact. The British forces engaged numbered 3SO (ISO or the 57th, including SergeantMajor Bezar, and 200 of the llth Regiment), with 36 Forest Rangers (led by the famous Von Tempsky) and a native contingent, the whole supported with three Armstrong field guns. At daylight the force moved out, and tiro was opened on the pa, several shells falling on the palisades. The defenders waited until the 57th, supported by the 14th. advanced. The attackers were met by a withering tire from the fort, the Maoris being good marksmen. The Diehards, as the 57th Regiment was called, and supporters, with fixed bayonets, by slashing down the fastenings of the palisades, soon got into the pa, killing those of the enemy who were there. Colonel Hassard 'was mortally wounded .in the trenches when gallantly leading his men, while of the 57th, two sergeants and live others were killed, and a? number wounded; of the 14th two were killed and three wounded. The principal stronghold of the Hau Haus in Taranaki was thus captured iu a frontal attack, the regulars showing themselves worthy of the fame the regiment had established. The Maoris had 30 killed (Ineluding their chief), the wounded being taken away by comrades. Sergeant-Major Bezar is the only “Diehard” in New Zealand now’ “on parade.” He is 97 years of age and live* at Oriental Bay.