The Hawera Star THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1924. EARLY HISTORY OF TARANAKI

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 September 1924, Page 4

The Hawera Star

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1924. EARLY HISTORY OF TARANAKI

pelivered er«sry by ft o’clock lo Hawer*. Manaia. N^nnanby. Okaiawa, Eltham, Patea, Waverley, Mokpia, Wbakamara, Ohangai, Mersmere. F racer Road, and Otakeuo Manutahi, Alton, Burley ville, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunuke,

We suppose that no part of New Zealand has a more, interesting history than Taranaki. From time to time the older residents have contributed to our columns articles and paragraphs of great interest and historical value, and these have helped to bring before the people of this generation the experiences of those, who came to settle in this part of New Zealand, when conditions were far different from what they are to-day. The accounts of the early days of the province are widely read, but unfortunately there is not the interest being taken in the' historic spots one would expect. A few years ago it seemed as if a - real effort was to be made to improve the Turuturu-Mokai reserve, .and a certain amount of work was done in planting trees and clearing' the ground. . The conformation of the land at this historic place (where, besides the site of the redoubt!attacked with such disastrous results by the Maoris on July 12, 1868, there exist the outlines of one of the largest Maori pas in Taranaki) is such that we believe that great improvements could be made if there existed an association or society to take -a proper interest in it; and we should like to see a body formed for the purpose of looking after the various historic spots in the district. To British people tradition used to count for a great deal, and in Great Britain a notable pride is taken in places of historic interest; but in New Zealand people seem to be losing tha love for history and tradition which have undoubtedly played a very important part in our national greatness. We can see no reason why an attempt should not be made to revive the spirit. The early settlers and those who had the task of resisting the at tacks of the Natives belonged to that noble army of men and women who built the Empire, and to them the people of New Zealand are deeply indebted. Each year the number of early settlers grows smaller, and before many more years have passed all who had a part iii those stirring days will have gone to their rest. Are the people to let their names and their deeds and the spots of historical interest fade from memory, until in the course of two or three decades they will be forgotten, except to those win read the historical works of the few who have tried to preserve the records? Surely more can be done while there still live among us some of those who passed through the trials and hardships •of the early days. There are in Taranaki many places of historical interest; in fact there is hardly a square yard of territory from Wanganui to New Plymouth which it would be incorrect to describe as historic. But places of special interest are worthy of. different treatment from what they are receiving. Turuturu-Mokai, the site of the Waihi re.doubt, and Te Ngufu-o-te-Manu should be" known to all who live in South Taranaki, and it. should be the pride of the inhabitants to take visitors to see these historic spots. We know that ' those who belong to the early days are still proud of these places, and they are ever ready to relate their experiences; but it is the younger people, and those who have not lived very long in the district, to whom it is desired to bring home the importance of history and tradition. Each year sees March 31 come and go without any indication whatever that it is a memorable day, and we doubt if many people in the province remember that it is Taranaki’s Anniversary Day. We have suggested in the past that this day should be recognised and kept in fitting manner, but nothing has been done. .It is just over six months till next. Anniversary Day, and wo .suggest once more that a movement be started

that shall have as its object the proper care of historic places in the district

and the proper recognition of Anniversary Day. An association for that purpose could, we believe, be formed, representative of all parts of the province. The Early Tgranaki Association would probably be a suitable name for such a body, and we hope that in the various parts of the province people who feel that the early associations of Taranaki should not be permitted to pass into oblivion will come together and endeavour to form a body such as we suggest. Members of local bodies might bring the question forward in their respective districts, 'and do what they can to help to bring into existence a movement to preserve and pass down to succeeding generations the early history of a province which is destined to grow to very great importance in years to come.