Trip to Urewera

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 324, 9 April 1928, Page 14

Trip to Urewera

Missionaries’ Work on Old Cannibal Camp SCHOOL IN WILDERNESS A trip to the Urewera country was made recently by the Rev. J. A. Thomson, of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, Auckland, and the Rev. T. H. Roseveare, of Papatoetoe, and Mrs. Roseveare. The party left Papatoetoe by car at 7.45 a.m., and had lunch at Hamilton. The first evening they were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Barron, of the Government Forestry Department at Waiotapu. Making an early start next morning, the upper reaches of the Rangitaiki River were crossed at Murapara, and a little later the mountainous Urewera country was reached. The road to Te Whaiti was good. IN TE KOOTI’S COUNTRY Lunching at the school house, the party were the guests of Miss Tweed, the school mistress, and Sister Dorothy, the deaconess. A short address was given to the 21 scholars, only two of whom are pakehas. This was in the heart of Te Kooti’s country. Proceeding, the road which climbs steadily over ranges of mountains, had an exceptionally - good surface; and Ruatahuna was reached at dusk. Accommodation was obtained at the mission house, which is built on the site once occupied by a cannibal tribe. SCHOOL IN THE WILDERNESS

Even out here in this wilderness is found a Government school, which meets the needs of some sixty children. The teachers, the Misses Clements, occupy a fine residence of bungalow design. During the evening a visit was paid by a party of Maoris. Two of the men delivered enthusiastic speeches of welcome to the guests, and expressed the thanks of the natives to the pakeha for providing them with roads, schools and missionaries. A reply was delivered through Sister Annie, who acted as interpreter. A CHANGE OF TRANSPORT Continuing the journey next morning, the motor-car was abandoned, and horses were utilised, as the road ends about seven miles past Ruatahuna, and the twenty odd miles to Maungapohatu is traversed by bridle track. During the journey three ranges of mountains, reaching to a height of 3,500 ft., are crossed. No less than 47 streams are crossed and recrossed. A roadway has been surveyed through these wilds, but no attempt has been made to do any formation work. WELCOME BY PAKEHAS Maungapohatu was reached after six hours’ travelling, and a welcome to the party was extended by the entire white population, consisting of Mr. Black and Miss Bowden, missionaries, Miss Roseveare and Miss Paulger’ teachers. An inspection of the village was made next day, and a visit paid to the school. Rua, the celebrated “prophet,” who occupies the only European residence in the village, was also invited. He has a commanding personalitv, and the assurance of a leader. Ten thousand acres of the surrounding land is said to belong to him, in addition to several large blocks further afield. DIFFICULTIES OF TRAVEL

Rua’s wife was recently injured in a motoring accident, and a party of 24 natives were sent to carrv ~ her home, a distance of some 39 miles the last 15 miles being over the rough track. The injured woman made the journey on a 3ft. 6in. wire mattress. It took three days to complete the journey. The stupendous nature of the task can only be realised by those

who have traversed the district and negotiated the narrow, precipitous country. A start was made next morning for home, and the natives’ voices could bo heard for some distance echoing and re-echoing their farewell. "Haere Ra,” “Haere Ra,” “Haere Ra.” The return journey was made without the assistance of a guide.