The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, APRIL 19th, 1924. A PAGE OF HISTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1924, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, APRIL 19th, 1924. A PAGE OF HISTORY.

Quito an interesting page in the earliest recorded history of Westland was reprinted tin’s week in the article culled form a northern paper which told in tile graphic style of Mr James Cowan, the well-known authority on Maori lore, the story of the first crossing of the Southern All's. Traditional history awards the credit of this to a Maori woman—one Raureka—who some two and a half centuries ago forged her way from west to east with a solitary Companion, by way of Browning’s Pass. Raureka interpieled signifies ’“sweet leaf,” and it- is ratlier remarkable that sonic of the ninny places on the Coast have not been named alter one who accomplished so notalde a teat, fn some records Raureka is stated to have been out of her mind, hence her wandering proclivities, hut Mr Cowan’s story reveals that there was a good deal of method in her madness. She performed a wonderful journey and opened the way for others, thus commencing a new era for what we now call the Coast. Raureka has her monument in a mountain peak which rears itself in the divide close to Mount Cook and overlooking the Hooker Glacier. This interesting page of very early history suggests that more should be known and he readily available for access for those seeking knowledge as to the earliest settlement on the Coast. There is much that is hidden away in the. hooks of reference relating to Maori history and settlement, and a compilation would be a valuable record for ready reference. Above all the rising generation should have a more intimate acquaintance with the features and facts leading up to the advent of the Maoris, their nomadic wanderings, and the final coming of the Europeans. Mr Cowan’s story suggests what an in--forniative source he has to draw upon, and the compilation of an extended story would he of great-value and practical interest. The account of the first crossing of the Alps with its historic value, renders the story an excellent reading lesson for our schools, and it is to he hoped has caught the attention and imagination of many of our school teachers as providing excellent material for a valuable lesson on the story of the birth of •’Westland. The crossing of Raureka and her slave, is of special interest to this immediate neighborhood, because it was from hereabouts the journey was begun. The association of the names of Lake Jvanieri and the Arahura Valley with, the route taken, gives added interest to the account which is‘quite engrossing, even though the journey was ’accomplished some 250 years ago. The greater the knowledge that can he spread about, our country the more interesting itbecom not alone to ourselves, hut to those who travel through the land. It is history which makes a country. Our history should he uncovered to the fullest extent and so help to make Westland more and more famous.