MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 November 1938, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

A NOTABLE FIGHT.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

Rangiriri (Day of Anger) was another notable fight in which both sides gave evidence of wonderful bravery, aided no doubt by the fact 'that each army believed its cause was just. Parliament having authorised the confiscation of Native Lands of the enemy, Sir George Grey exercised that power in the Waikato during the year 1864. Then followed the demoniac outbreak of Hau Hau fanaticism which had arisen from the literal translation of the old Testament allegories. The atrocities perpetrated under this superstitution had never hitherto been equalled by the Maoris among their enemies.

Some fighting had occurred in Wanganui, but it was directed against our military camps, the outlying farmers having been obliged to seek refuge in the towns.

General Cameron with 6000 soldiers came to Wanganui to “clean up the insurgents,” but his extreme caution was the cause of grave dissatisfaction. His tactics were orthodox but altogether too slow for the Maori fighters against whom his men were engaged. Without the loyalty and skill shown by the friendly allies under Majors Kepa and Ropata, the British troops would have met with many disasters. These two loyal Maori officers were each presented with a sword of Honour by Queen Victoria. Serious differences between Sir George Grey and General Cameron had arisen because the British officer refused to attack Weraroa, now known as Waverlev. on the ground that his force of 1500 men was not sufficient. Sir George engaged a mixed force of Europeans and friendly Maoris, less than half that number, and took the Pa in two days, inflicting heavy losses upon the enemy.