MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 April 1939, Page 4

MAORI MEMORIES

CONTRAST OF MAORI AND PAKEHA.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The fugitive Maoris could not carry away their goods or livestock which was looted by soldiers and settlers, houses were robbed, canoes were burned, horses and cattle sold by auction; but our government was powerless to check the greedy settlers. In striking contrast to such disgraceful conduct on our part, the Maoris respected the deserted homes and property of many of our folk, especially those of people who had been kind to them in times of peace. It appeared strange indeed to the Maoris that we, who made war on Waikato because the chiefs could not prevent lawlessness, should be quite unable to restrain our own subjects from such unjust action. , General Cameron crossed the Mangatawhiri River and occupied the Koheroa range on Sunday, July 12, three days before our declaration of war had been issued to the “enemy.” Wild and quite unjust rumours were afloat that the Maoris who sought refuge at Kerikeri from our acts of violence were being reinforced by the Maori King’s army, and were about to attack the country settlers. On the contrary, the refugees there were unable to stir, with hundreds of aged, infirm,. sick and children, all without food or conveyance. The government began to feel ashamed of having inflicted such suffering upon these innocent old and young people. So Mr Dillon Bell, the Minister for Native Affairs, was sent to Kerikeri to supply food and get them to the Waikato villages, away from the dangerous vicinity of resentful settlers. He even invited them to return to their homes and place themselves under the Queen's rule and protection. Mohi said it was too late, since the Governor had crossed their boundary With his armed forces.