MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 April 1939, Page 6

MAORI MEMORIES

STILL TATARAIMAKA. (Recorded by J. 11.5. for “Times-Age.”)' In the King’s inability to sit. Tamihana took the chair, and asked the Governor if he still opposed the King. Sir George replied: “I will not fight him with the sword, but will dig around him till he falls.” These words made a strong impression all over the colony. At. Wanganui a Maori was arrested by the police for a serious crime, but was rescued by his tribe on the ground Of his being a loyal subject of their King, and could not be tried by us., The next subject was the Governor's intention to take legal possession of Tataraimaka land by force. Tamihana offered to go with the Governor to Taranaki and negotiate tor peaceful surrender by the occupants. Sir George thanked him. but declined his company. , The chiefs protested against the threat of a steamer on the Waikato river through their lands. They did not object to boats and canoes, but a steamer could bring troops, guns and liquor. The Governor said he would certainly use the steamer to bring food and promote peace. She would tow their canoes up stream free of charge. '"The meeting invited Sir George to visiT Rahgiwahia and Hordtiu, but illness compelled his return to Auckland. As he went down the river by canoe a crowd of riders galloped down both banks, begging him to return. As promised, Tamihana Taati and others wrote the Ngati Ruanui tribe to give up Tataraimaka to avoid war. Rewi and other Manaiapoto leaders urged war rather than surrender. In March. 1863, General Cameron, with Alfred Domett (Premier), Dillon Bell (Native Minister), and a large military force went to Taranaki.