MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 July 1938, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

ALLIES (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.") During the 2J years ending with the peace at Wanganui in July, 1847, we had 85 soldiers, sailors and militia killed, and 167 wounded throughout the North Island. We had really never gained' a complete victory, nor was that possible where the Maoris fought in their ancient fastnesses, with which they were familiar. They required no commisariat, whilst we were obliged to drag guns and ammunition, food and clothing through swamp and forest, or over mountains and rivers. In 1868, the 65th regiment withdrew from Wellington, and the 58th returned to England, after 1100 had served 13 years here, and were given grants of land to become settlers in New Zealand. Among the Maoris, every man killed left living relations each bound by hereditary law to take blood for blood. If was not regarded by them as murder to kill innocent or guilty persons, so long as they complied with the law of Utu (satisfaction). Sir George Grey was the first man to realise and respect this Maori law, and directed a campaign of defence rather than assault. Gradually the Maoris understood this. A notable concession to this policy was made by the Ngapuhi tribe in 1858, when our troops were withdrawn from Kororareka. As if to remove every trace of their defeat, they re-erected the flagstaff which had been repeatedly cut down by Heke in 1845. Colonel Despard spoke disparagingly of our loyal Maori allies as soldiers; but it must not be forgotten that they held his tactics at Ruapekapeka in contempt, and suggested that a younger man with more go in him should be appointed to lead the troops to victory. It was due to our having ex-savages to pit against savages in New Zealand that we were victotious.