ORAKAU.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1810, 6 April 1918, Page 2

ORAKAU.

TUESDAY last was the 54th anniversary of ■the Battle of Orakau, the last great, though unsuccessful, stand made by the Maoris against the British. On Ist January, 18(14, General Cameron advanced up the Waipa about 15 miles from Ngaruawahia, and another force moved from Onehunga to Raglan, and thence crossed the ranges to the Paterangi Pa. This pa was too strong to be attacked directly, so General Cameron, on 201 h February, made a night march, and occupied Rangiaohia district, from which the pa drew supplies. The Maoris evacuated Paterangi, were dislodged from a new position on the Te Awamutu road, and, moving to Orakau, built a pa, where they resolved to make a last desperate stand. Surrounded by 1,500 soldiers, and battered constantly by artillery, hungry, and perishing with thirst, they yet held their position. On 2nd April the end was near. They were asked to send out at least the women and children, but the women proudly replied that they would die with the men. It was then that Rewi Maniapoto (lung back his memorable challenge: “Ka whawhai tonu matou. Ake! Ake! Ake!”—“we will fight on for ever and ever.” The firing recommenced, and then the Maoris, in a compact, wedge-shaped mass, chanting their war songs, sallied out into the open, where the cavalry fell upon them and did terrible execution. A total of 121 were killed, and 33 wounded and unwounded were taken prisoners.