MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 July 1938, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

KORORA’S FATE. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) In 1844 the colony was in sore straits for funds. At Nelson, the seed potatoes had to be dug up to prevent starvation. At Koroa reka (the tasty .sea bird), the flagstaff had been twice cut down, and Heke was demanding justice for his race. Governor Fitzroy nredicted peace and prosperity; but the settlers had lost faith in his prophecies. Early in March, Heke’s Maori rebels made a prisoner of war of Captain Philpott. A missionary preached to the Maoris from the text “Whence come war and fighting?” Heke rose up and suggested he should preach that sermon to the white men. As proof of his sincere wish for peace, “Heke said he had released Captain Philpott quite uninjured. Before daylight on March 11, 1845, Captain Robertson’s fort was attacked by 200 Maoris under Kawiti, and after a brave fight he'had to spike his cannons and retire. Heke surprised the hill garrison, and cut the British flag staff for the third time. The women and children fled panic stricken to the ships. During the panic the powder magazine at the military barracks was exploded by a shell. About 700 Maoris squatted round on the hills. The whites retired to the ships, about a dozen children hidden in fear, were lost, but later were carefully restored by the Maoris. Ten sailors or soldiers ’were killed, and though 34/Maoris fell, our enemies conducted the fight in the best spirit. Prosperous men were reduced to poverty, £50,000 worth of property was destroyed. Heke’s fame spread throughout the country, the Maoris were convinced that their land was once more a living thing and that every pakeha intruder must leave the country. <

Two Bishops. Pompallier and Selwyn, assisted the wounded of both sides.