MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 February 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

OFFICIAL OMISSION. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) After years of tribal bloodshed Wiremu Kingi formed the “Maori Land League.” In 1859 notice was given to Governor Browne that no land between Taranaki and Mokau would be sold. At a large meeting of excited Maoris Teira offered his land for sale, and the Governor agreed to buy provided a good title could be given. Wiremu Kingi then said: “Listen, Governor, I will not permit the sale. Waitara is in my hands. I will not give it up, never and for ever —I have spoken.” He and his followers then rudely walked out. The official enquiry into Teira’s title lasted a year, but significally no record of the proceedings can be found. The chairman merely announced that Teira’s people had a right to sell. In 1860 Governor Browne tried to take possession. Wiremu Kingi’s men resisted, and the disastrous Taranaki wars followed. The loss of life and the financial embarrassment are still dark memories. Fear of their old enemies the powerful Manaiapoto caused a reconciliation between the rivals Kingi and Teira, and they lived together on Teira’s side of the river, until the land feuds again separated them. Over some petty quarrel after three years, Teira sold the land to the Government and Kingi was turned off without compensation despite their definite mutual agreement. This circumstance, owing to some official neglect, was not known until three years later, when it was discovered by Sir George Grey and his secretary. Trifles such as this cause most wars, and this was no exception. )*- ' '