MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 July 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

BRYCE VERSUS RUSDEN.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

The Honourable John Bryce, better known to most New Zealanders as "Honest John." was in his youth a lieutenant in the Kai Iwi volunteer cavalry. About the year 1880 he was elected to the then most responsible and difficult position of Native Minister, at a period when the fanatic “prophet.” Te Whiti, threatened “by peaceful and religious influences to drive every white man. woman, and child" Ki roto. Ki runga ranei tc Moana (into or onto the sea). The danger of many thousand well armed "Old Testament religious fanatics” was most serious, and was only averted by Bryce’s tactics. In 1883 one Rusden, an alleged historian. published two volumes of more than 1.000 pages, entitled “History of New Zealand,’’ in which he stated "that on the 28th November, 1868, Lieutenant Bryce and Sergeant Maxwell dashed upon Maori women and children who were hunting pigs, and deliberately murdered them with their cavalry swords.”

After a lengthy trial foi’ libel in the case of Bryce versus Rusden, the evidence occupying 638 pages, with 35 witnesses, of .whom there were 16 Maoris and 19 pakehas, all men occupying prominent positions, full damages £5,000 and costs £1,144 were awarded against Rusden. Mr Bryce, however, generously offered to accept £2,500 with which to pay the costs of his journey to and from England, and his long stay away from his home in New Zealand.

From first to last Mr Bryce’s motive in taking proceedings was to vindicate the good name of New Zealand, its rulers, and its people, and this he did most effectively.