MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 June 1939, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

KORORA REKA DESTROYED.

(Recorded by J.H.S. tor “Times-Age.”) Word of the fallen flagstaff disheartened the Pakeha defenders, whose women and children were hastening on board the ships. The Maoris were madly excited by the rongo pai (good news). By the Pakeha swords and the Maori tomahawk many fell dead or disabled. Of all the “tangata toa” (brave men) the leader of the sailors was the outstanding figure. No Maori could stand up to his sword. Half a dozen like him in this rare hand-to-hand fight would have beaten the Maoris. He was struck down by a stray shot. Both sides fought bravely and suffered equally, neither side lost or won. The Maori drew back and the Pakehas were making for the ships. On seeing this the Maoris came in search of Utu (satisfaction), only to find a number of whites on the same errand.

The guns of the warship fired at the Maoris, but did no harm to either side. Eoth parlies went on with the “collection” for which they had paid equally in deaths and wounds.

Thinking their brave leader was dead or dying, the ship’s guns fired a volley in his honour. The Maoris did not understand this, so they in turn fired the town with torches. That was the signal for general warfare. Friendly Maori comment in good faith was—“ The Pakehas are a nobleminded people. They gave up Korora reka to fire and plunder as Utu for Maori wrongs. They were not beaten, yet they are always giving. They gave Heke and Kawiti a town full of blankets and tobacco, and money and rum. It was good of them. We only wish we had been there. Some day we must repay that generosity on an even greater scale. Utu is Qf no use unless it is given back.”