A LINK WITH THE PAST.

Shannon News, 15 December 1925, Page 3

A LINK WITH THE PAST.

THE, 'OLD STOCKADE AT FOXTON. (Foxton Herald). Although the Maoris were very numerous in and around Foxton in the early days of European settlement, there wag no conflict between the two' races. The warlike Te Rauparaha and his warriors were located aibout 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 irom the north. For months at a time, however, .the scattered settlers did not know at what moment a rising would take place. The settlers,' handed together, joined the militia,, were amied, 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 fo ; r all concerned was not occupied. , Mr John Kebfbejl, 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 1868, when the warlike activities of T.itokowaru was causing trouble in the north and Te Kooti on the East Gotast. It was reported that'these two warriors were to join .forces at Foxton and inarch on to Wellington. The local district militia, consisted of 120 men drawn irom ail parts of this' district. They were called, out and the stockade erected. The two warlike parties did ino't 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 Kebbell has advocated that the site of the old stockade should he-purchased and set aside as a reserve and to memorialise an historic event in Foxton's early history. At Thursday's annual meeting oi the Manawat-u (Foxtom) Racecourse Trustees (of which Mr Kehbell 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 tlie 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; btrqpgly urged the public of Foxton and district to consummate its acquisition. He finally suggested that a cpoim'ittee he formed to deal with the matter. Messrs HornMjOW, Eraser,' Barber, and Jewell spoke favourably of the proposal. It was pointed out that the property was in possession of two. owners and that the local owner had expressed his willingness to consent to the sale. It was explained by Mr Kebbell that if the amount assessed Jiy the Government was raised the i land could', if necessary, be taken under the Public Works Act. A committee consisting of the Racecourse Trustees, the Mayor, and Messrs Barber, Horn Mow, Christie, and Jack was appointed 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.