HISTORY RECALLED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 61, 4 December 1937, Page 5

HISTORY RECALLED

-Prest Associaljou )

Historic Battle at Mataura in 1836 CENTENARY GATHERING

(By Telegr*ph-

GOBE, This Day. Stirring scenes of over 100 years ago were xecalled to memory at Tuturau near Mataura^ during centenary celebrations to-day, there being the largost gathering in the history of Mataura. This is the first centenary function in Southland* and commemorates the warrior Te Puoho 's unprecedented overland march from Nelson to Tututrau in 1836, representing the first and last invasion of Murihuku (Southland) by North Island Maoris and the last act of inter-Island tribal warf are in the South Island, when fights resulted between Te Puoho 's warriors and seutbern Maoris under Tuhawaiki. Tha event is of wide historical interest, since Te Puoho was previously associated with Te Bauparaha in large war expeditions in Taranaki, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury aua Westland. ' • S Te Puoho 's proposal to make an overland raid on Murihiku, in order 1o dominate the Nga-Tahii, was not eupported by Te Bauparaha, but over a hundred warriors volunteered for ths arduous journey, the longest in Maon tradition. The party successfully negotiated Haast Pass and reached Lakei Wanaka, continuing via the Nevis and Mataura valleys to Tuturau, capturmg a few southern Maoris en route. The party 's arrival was observed, the alaru raised, and a counter-attaek followed, resulting in the death of Puoho. Th'ei northerners were enslaved but many later escape'd. The centenary was attended bf Maoris and pakehas from Otago and Southland, as well as by the Natlve Minister, who arrived by plane, other Parliamentarians and local body representatives. The functions occasioned great 4nterest. A fine monument was unveiled by the Hon. F. Langstone, also a carved Maori house which was dedicated in traditional m&nner by Bluff and Buapuke Maoris. A 32-acre reserve, adjacent to the battleground, was handed over to the Mataura Borough Couneil in trust by John Topi Patuki, on behalf of the native owne'rs. Maori entertainments, including a welcome to Mr Langstone, were features of the afternoon.