MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 July 1939, Page 5

MAORI MEMORIES

SUCCESS BY TREACHERY. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Realising (ho grave danger to all people who opposed Raupara's aggressive policy, 2000 warriors from no less than fourteen tribes met at Otaki, representing the country from Waitotara down this coast to Whanganui a Tara (the great inlet of Tara) that being the name by which Wellington was known, also several tribes from the South Island and Wairarapa. Over 100 canoes were engaged in transport and the attack on Kapiti. Rauparaha, hoping for the arrival of friendly forces, proposed a negotiation for peace. The Ngatiapa who led the attack having similar hopes for their party, agreed. With his customary treachery, having put his enemies at ease he at once attacked the unsuspecting invaders, defeating ' them with great slaughter at every point. Many were drowned while seeking refuge by regaining their canoes. Others sought shelter in the bush and were forced into submission and helpless slavery, even their Ngatiapa leader Hunia te Hakeke being among them. Hearing wild rumours of Rauparaha’s success, To Puaha came from Taranaki to Kapiti to learn the truth. He at once returned and brought with him him a force of fighting men and their families to, occupy a part of the rich lands of Manawatu and to reinforce Rauparaha’s invincible army. The Taupo tribes under To Hcuheu being reassured by Rauparaha’s victory and by the comparative richness of the conquered lands decided also to migrate and to strengthen his forces for the conquest of all New Zealand. It was, however, first necessary for that wily Chief to burn their comfortable homes in order to finally persuade them to make the arduous journey and to leave their ancestral lands. Their final decision was made when the priests told them it was the will of the Atua (the great spirit).