MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 June 1939, Page 5

MAORI MEMORIES

MODEL MAORI FORT. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Like all Maoris, Heke defied and denied the pain of his wounds which were really serious. Kawiti and he with their forces, joined in converting the Ohaeawae Pa into a modern stronghold to meet both the old time Maori and the new Pakeha methods of attack. The combined industry of 600 men and the systematic planning and direction of the two chiefs was a marvel in achievement. The inner circle was a trench in which the men stood erect, their faces just above the ground level: The next line three feet away from the trench, was made of solid Kauri posts from 12 to 24 inches in diameter, 15 feet long, sunk 5 feet in the ground. Two sides chipped square forming a solid wall ten feet high, with a four inch loophole between each post at ground level. The outer wall was the Pekerangi, a lighter fence to deaden the force of musket and cannon shot, before it struck the inner- wall and to delay a storming party who could thus be shot from the trench within, while they were pulling it down. This pekerangi, only three feet from the real defence, was strongly built about 8 feet high and padded inside with flax leaves to deaden the shot. It was raised a foot above ground so that the men in the trench could fire through the loopholes at ground level and under the pekerangi. At intervals along the pekerangi were Koki (flanking angles) each with 20 men similarly protected. The storming party met fire from the front and both flanks. High lookout platforms specially protected and warned the garrison of every move. The inner circle was filled with huge pits roofed with solid logs and covered with earth where men slept and fed in safety. Last of all the priests made every man and every post tapu (sacred and forbidden).