HISTORIC SITE.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 21, 18 October 1928, Page 6

HISTORIC SITE.

In opening the Boulcott School",, Lower Hutt, last week, Mr. T. M.. Wilf ord, M.P., referred in an interesting: manner to the way in which the school obtained its name. He said: "This schools stands on historic ground. It isa part of Bouleott Farm, on which aa. attack was made at daybreak on themorning of the 16th May, 1946, by 200' Maori warriors under the command of' Rangihaeata. The attack had been expected a week before it eventuated, and though Te Rauparaha and others had given warning to the authorities that such an attack might take place no definite action was taken by the authorities, to prepare for Rangihaeata's advance.

'' At daybreak on the morning of the ICth May, 1846, the sentry on guaf*d r catching sight of a Maori in the distance,, fired, and running to the picket tent,, gave the alarm," said the speaker. "It was then that young Allen, whose brave deed will never be forgotten, ran outsidethe tent. and blew a sharp alaim on hisbugle, While in the act of blowing that alarm he was tomahawked in the rightshoulder by one of the Maori fighters, ana fell wounded and bloody to the* ground. His arm was almost severed from his bodyj nothing daunted him,, however, and keeping cool and collected,, ha seized the bugle in 'his left hand and again attempted to blow a warning, and while in the act of so doing his head was split open by a tomahawk and he fell: dead to the ground.

"By tlus time, however, the garrison of 45 had been aroused. Hurriedly taking up their positions they made their stand against the 200 Maori warriors., la the middle of the engagement seven of the Hutt Militia gallantly came to the aid of their comrades, and the Maoris, who had reckoned on taking the 45 Europeans by surprise, seeing the stubborn opposition and hearing the shcuts of the Militia men who had arrived, and not knowing how many more were coming, retired from the field.

"Six whites were killed, and of four wcunded two died some days later. The Maori losses were never known, as they carried off: all who fell."

A stone monument, said Mr, Wilford,. at the entrance of the old Military Road, had recently been erected to mark- the gallant defence of the • small band off whites to whom he had referred.