MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 April 1939, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES

RIVAL SCHEMES FAIL. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Wi Tamihana’s firm stand against the designs of 'Rewi Manaiapoto in May, 1863 to attack the defenceless settlers of Waikato saved us from a calamity. Our troops were in Taranaki, and Jiewi saw the chance to strike a decisive b ow; but Tamihana refused to stir until he could fight in a righteous cause. He then journeyed far down stream to seek further help from the Queen’s representative as to defeating the violent Rewn Few Europeans knew Tamihana, and the Government appeared unreasonably to distrust him. No encouragement was give nto his plans for peace. Sir George Grey had definite plans for protecting Waikato by forming a strong band of young Maori men like that at Te Awamutu, teaching them the arts of industry and peace, with the acceptable diversion of training for war with ample equipment. His plan was ready for immediate execution, but the Oakura tragedy prevented the Governor, who intended to superintend it personally, from going to Auckland. During the Governor’s absence, one of the Colonial Ministers busied himself at Auckland with a different scheme, the failure of which made Sir George Grey’s plan impossible. The two principal chiefs had their salaries raised by £lOO a year as a testimony to their loyalty, and their subordinates had presents and pensions. All wore yellow caps to mark their adherence to the Queen. Tools and materials were sent at government expense to build loyal homes and forts. There was no personal supervision such as the Governor would have seen to. The obvious result was failure.