MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 August 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

■ -» HEKE. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Heke, a notable figure in history, died of consumption, an imported disease, in 1850. He was a famous warrior, responsible for many deaths, both Maori and English. After, making peace with the settlers, he ceased fighting. A year before his death he wrote to Queen Victoria, and reminded her of the conversation between his father-in-law, Hongi, and George IV. When the King had asked him why he came to England, Hongi replied “For 60 soldiers and muskets.” The King had then said, “I will not send soldiers, lest they should take your land. I will send missionaries.” Heke then wrote that the missionaries asked for lands, and large blocks were presented to them. He asked the Queen to withdraw her troops in accordance with the implied promise of George IV and the express purpose of William IV in presenting the Maoris with their national flag. His whole correspondence shows wisdom and a shrewd insight into character, aptly and poetically expressed in the simplest written language in all the world. Shortly before death, he wrote to Sir George Grey “My illness is great, but one’s body is not the permanent home of the Spirit.” As his body weakened, his spirit brightened. His soul was depressed by the gloomy prospects of his race. Just before death he saw a vision of the Mission bell being tolled when there was not left a single Maori to answer it. Heke’s bones were twice subjected to the ancient ceremonial of Hahunga (cleansing and removal) and finally lowered into an inaccessible cavern near Kaikohc. A direct descendant of Hongi and Heke lives in Wellington, and in him their outstanding genius is intensified.