MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 June 1939, Page 7

MAORI MEMORIES

HEKE AND WAKANENE. (Recorded by J.H.S. for "Times-Age.”) Korora reka was burned and its Pakehas had gone to Waitimata. They despised our simple Maori name and called it Auckland, so that no Maori could pronounce it.. Heke retired to Ahuahu (sunset) with nearly 1000 followers. Many chiefs said 10,000 soldiers will come over the sea and destroy Heke. • When , Tamati Waka Nene heard of Hoke’s actions at Korora reka he decided to take revenge against him. Waka Nene was a lifelong friend and protector of the Pakeha. One Chief came to help him with 20 tino tangata (cousins). When Waka had, collected 500 fighting men they built a pa at Okaihau near Ahuahu and fought with Heke every weekday. Heke sent a Karere (messenger) to Waka saying: "If you fight on like this, there will be no warriors left to meet the soldiers who are coming to take our homes and lands and wives; who will there be to fight the Kakahu Whero (red clothes?” But Waka replied: "I fight on till the end!” Then the messenger dramatically answered: "Behold! This foretells your death.” Up jumped Karere Horo (the descended messenger) a priest, saying loudly: "You speak falsely (Korero teka), I and many others will die in this war, but Waka will live.” A Pakeha told Waka the Governor would be angry because he fought Heke for revenge and would give him no pay and no gun-powder. Another Pakeha, a friend of Waka’s. said: “Pay no heed, the Queen and the Govern•ior will be pleased, and so will all Pakeha people. You will be paid for every pound of powder, and looked upon as our true friends.” Subsequent action confirmed this prediction as wc shall see tomorrow.