BATTLE OF ORAKAU.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1924, Page 4

BATTLE OF ORAKAU.

MAORIS’ AIEAIORAISLE DEFIANCE AUCKLAND, March SI. To-day is the sixtieth anniversary of the commencement of the famous Battle of Orakau. the last great though unsuccessful stand of tin' Alaons that lasted from Alarch 31st. to April 2nd. Orakau is situated on the borders of the King Country, about five miles from To Awamutu. The battle was marked by the gallantry shown by both sidse, and particularly by the Maoris. Their small force of 300 men, besieged in a pa, opposed a well-train-ed and hotter armed body of 1500 strong. When the Maori women with their children were given the opportunity to come out, they answered: “AVe women can die with the men.” Later in the battle two members of the European force went forward to call upon the Maoris to surrender. Tinfiring ceased for a few moments, and the natives were informed that the opposing General had seen their great bravery and admired it, but that il they continued lighting they must all be killed. They were therefore asked to surrender and were assured that it they did that they would be treated well. Then the Chief, Rewi Manga Mnninpoto, flung back the reply that has lived ever since in New Zealand history as one of the bravest calls of defiance ever uttered: I! E A\ oa AL't Te Ivupu. Tenei A Te Alaori. Ka At hawhai Tonu Alee Ake Ake.” (Friends this is the word of the Alaori. They will fight on for ever, for ever and for ever).

Following this determined response fighting was resumed. Eventually the Maoris were .so desperately pressed that they commenced to retire to a swamp at the rear of the pa. There they were shot down almost to the last mail, many Chiefs being killed. The white forces lost 16 men killed, while 52 more were wounded. Ten years ago to-morrow a monument tc commemorate the Jubilee of the battle was unveiled at Orakau by Sir James Allen, who was at that time Minister of Defence.