A LINK WITH THE PAST.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2971, 5 December 1925, Page 3

A LINK WITH THE PAST.

SITE OF AN OLD STOCADE.

AGITATION FOR ITS PURCHASE.

Although the Maoris were very numerous in and around Foxton in the early days of European settlemem, there was no conflict between the two races. The warlike Te Rauparalia and his warriors were located about fifty miles south of this centre and there was continual unrest between the pakeha and Maori to the north. In those days, had the natives so desired, they could have annihilated the whole of the pakeha people along this coast. The early settlers, however, displayed no fear, and by fair dealing and wise counsels maintained friendly relations with the resident and invading tribes from the north. For months at a time, however, the scattered settlers did not know at what moment a rising would take place. The settlers, banded together, joined the militia, were armed, drilled and prepared to defend their lives and homes in case of trouble. It was decided at that time to build a stockade as sanctuary, on an eminence at the rear of the local state school. The stockade was erected, but fortunately for all concerned was not occupied. Mr. John Kebbell, one of our pioneer settlers., and who, we are pleased to state, is still hale and hearty and whose place of residence is at Levin, was captain of militia at the time. That was in the year 186.8, when the warlike activities of Titikowaru was causing trouble in the north and Te Kooti on the East Coast. It was reported that these two warriors were to join forces at Foxton and march on to Wellington. The local district militia consisted of 120 men drawn from all parts of this district. They were called out and the stockade erected. The two warlike parties did not effect a junction but the old stockade was ready for the safety of the women and children in case of such eventuality. The trouble passed and the settlers went back to their farms.

For some years Mr. John Kebbell has advocated that the site of the old stockade should be purchased and set aside as a reserve and to memorialise an historic event in Foxton’s early history. At Thursday’s annual meeting of the Manawatu (Foxton) Racecourse Trustees (of which Mr Kebbell is chairman) he referred to this subject and again urged that the site should be purchased. He said that he had communicated with the Government on the subject and while the Government was sympathetic, it could not assist financially, but had subsequently surveyed the site and assessed its value. Mr. Kebbell stated that he would donate £2O towards the purchase of the site and strongly urged the public of Foxton and district to consummate its acquisition. He finally suggested that a committee be formed to deal with the matter.

Messrs. Hornblow, Eraser, Barber and Jewell spoke favourably of I he proposal. It was pointed out that the properly was in possession of two owners anil that the local owner bad expressed his willingness' to consent to the sale.

It was explained by Mi*. Kebbell that if the amount assessed by the Government was raised the land could, if necessary, he taken under the Public Works Act.

A committee consisting of the Racecourse Trustees, the Mayor, and Messrs. Barber, Hornblow, Christie and Jack be a committee to move in the matter, Mr. Fraser to be chairman and treasurer. It was decided to invite donations towards the purchase from the public and to discuss the matter more fully at a meeting of the Committee appointed.