DRAMATIC EPISODE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1933, Page 2

DRAMATIC EPISODE

EARLY MAORI HOSTILITY

COLLAPSE OF REBELLION

A dramatic episode in the early hostilities with the Maoris is recalled by the 87th anniversary of the capture of the native stronghold of Ruapekapeka, or the Bat’s Nest. Tho victory signalised the collapse of Hone Heke’s rebellion.

The capture was effected on January 14, 1846, and it Avas one of the. most important events in the native difficulties which followed' the cuttingdown 0 f the flagstaff' at Kororareka, now Russel, by Heke’s men. Martial liuv was then proclaimed, artd a poor-ly-equipped British force Avas sent to pursue Heke and other disaffected chief's, including Kawati. In May, 1845, the force Avas beaten, off at Heke’s Okailiau pa, and, on July 1, under Colonel Despard, it suffered a distastrous defeat in the attempt to storm OhaeaAvai.

The rebels Avere jubilant, but" a dangerous situation was saved by the appointment of Sir Geogre Grey to take charge of the affairs of the colony. He promptly set to Avork to organise active measures, the first objective being the thickly-timbered hill on which was Kawiti’s Ruapekapeka. pa. Protected by a double palisade of beams 18ft high by 2ft thick, flanking redoubts, ditches, traverses, riflepits and bomb-proof chambers underground, it was a model Maori fortification, of the later style. Governor Grey and Colonel Despard proceeded against the rebels Avith more than 120 soldiers, sailors and friendly natives. A heavy bombardment was directed on the pa. The defenders, who Avere Christians, were astonished Avhen the; attack was continued on a Sunday. To hold divine service, the defenders withdrew to an outwork behind the main fort to be out of reach of the artillery fire. It Avas then that a feAV soldiers and friendly Maoris, under a brother of Waaka, noticed the lack of defence, and entered the pa.

Heke arrHcd and, noticing the parlous plight of his followers, urged retirement to tho shelter of the bush. KaAviti and a few warriors remained, but, in spite of the plucky efforts of the defenders, they had to fall back.

Governor Grey’s prestige was established by the success of the assault. On free pardons being granted, the rebellion collapsed, but, before that was done, Heke and KaAviti had shown their willingness to end hostilities.