MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 July 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

WAIRAU. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) This version of the oft told tale of the Wairau comes from the pen of an army Doctor who served in New Zealand from 1850 to 1858. It, therefore, may be regarded as more nearly first hand information than that of subsequent records. A near relative of Rangihaeata and of Rauparaha, a Maori woman, was murdered by a white man, who was acquitted in the Supreme Court. There was no question of his guilt in the Maori mind. These two chiefs, according to Maori law, held the title to the Wairau Valley by the laws of Raupatu (conquest) and Ahika roa (keeping a fire alight for years). Captain Wakefield’s surveyors had been warned off. All their property and survey instruments were carefully stored for them in a Maori whare, and the survey huts burned. Wakefield obtained a warrant for Rauparaha’s arrest, and proceeded with the police Magistrate and 48 men to give effect to it. Landing at the mouth of the Wairau River in June, 1843, the Magistrate was earnestly entreated by Puaha, a Maori Christian, to meet Rauparaha unarmed and in a judicial capacity, but his warning was not heeded. The warrant was presented to Rauparaha, whose Pa was a veritable stronghold with 100 armed men. Puaha the Maori convert counselled peace; but Rauparaha said the burnt huts were his own property, and suggested that the whole question should be referred to the Land Commissioner. In the rush to seize Rauparaha a shot from a white man killed the wife of Rangihaeata, who said: “This is the second murder of my women” and at once he tomahawked the nine whites who stood near. Thirteen others were slain in the fight which followed.