AN HISTORIC PILE.

Otaki Mail, 15 January 1919, Page 3

AN HISTORIC PILE.

TO BE SEEN AT PLIMMERTON. A recent visitor to Pliinmcrton draws attention to the historic value and interest, of the pile of masonry in the vicinity of that place, which may be seen from the passing train. About CO years ago the spot was occupied by the redoubtable Rauparaha and his 700 warriors, who were the terror of that period. The chief being a Rangatira, did not sleep within the palisades, but. occupied his own place apart from the men, thus preserving his mana. This fact was communicated to Sir George Grey, who in broad daylight sailed his little warship northward past the mouth of the harbour, and deceived Rauparaha, who exclaimed with satisfaction that Wellington was now un-. protected and would be taken by him next night. Sir George put back in the darkness, landed in a boat with six men and the. Maori spy as a guide, crept 1o '-Rauparaha's whare, and, throwing a sack over his head, carried him aboard. All would then have been well, but following the conciliatory policy of Sir George, this desperate criminal was released in a few months, only to increase his depredations. The ruined building now to be seen on th"e flat is the remains of the redoubt afterwards built and occupied by the 65ths. It should be preserved by the Government, or. failing that, by-the people of Plimmerton In the interest of their little town. Many would visit it if they knew its full history.