MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 March 1939, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

DISCORD. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Sir George Grey’s next step in the construction of the military road (Te ara tu) was to link up Te la (swift stream) three miles away. Timber was current) with Mangatawhiri (twirling brought along to build a landing stage for boats on the river. This was believed by the Maoris to be a military bridge to give access to their country. The Queen’s Redoubt to house 1000 men was then built. Proof was thus given to the Maori King’s people as to the real purpose of the invaders. Still another road, this' time' on. Maori land, was to be constructed. The Chief, Nera, wps a consenting party as his people were paid high wages (3/6 a day!) to fell the road line through the forest.

Rewi and his powerful Maniapoto tribe were hurriedly armed, and war was threatening from all directions. The King party were disturbed by threats from without and dangers from within. Tribal wars and pakeha invasions were threatened. A war party of the King Maoris started out to fire upon Nera Maori workers, but were met by a message from Tamihana saying that Nera was his father’s loyal companion in arms, and anyone who attacked -him would have to light the Nfcatihaua, and these Kihikihi (■locustS) soldiers must mind their own ■business

•These divisions brought about a condition of lawlessness. Young Maoris who had fought for either pakeha or Maori in Taranaki roamed the country armed, and in either the King’s or Queen’s uniform and name, seized the settlers’ cattle and horses on any flimsy pretext.