MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 August 1938, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

STATE HOUSES IN 1847. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The State house building scheme of 1937 is not the first of its kind in this country: Just 90 years earlier, Sir George Grey, who knew the Maori like a Maori, without reference to any local authority brought 500 discharged soldiers with their wives and families, numbering in all 2000, from England, for 7 years service in this coun-ti-y. This force of selected men was settled around Auckland in four directions from 7 to fourteen miles out. Each man was given an acre of land with a well-built cottage and the right to acquire five acres more at £2 an acre on completing 7 years service. The officers had 40 acres and a free house, with the right of purchase over another 100 acres. They were to be called upon for garrison duty at any time, also for a few days drill yearly, with parade drill and church every Sunday. On being summoned to repel a Maori attack on the Auckland gaol, their rapid march in, and their organised disposal of the intruders surprised our young soldiers in the barracks. These military settlements were a splendid success, many of these British pensioners acquired good farms, well stocked with sheep and cattle. The conditions were such that success depended solely upon industry and sobriety, The men and officers were specially selected from among many thousands of applicants. Among the elements of success were the climate, tactful supervision and the prospect of an independent life. In the year 1847 no less than 258,000 left Britain for various parts of the world to better their condition, and none was more successful than those who came to “God’s Own Country.”