MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 August 1939, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

THE FIRST LADY’S N.Z. WAR

MEDAL.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

Just after the Poverty Bay massacre when Te Kooti was thought to have escaped inland and vigilance had relaxed, Minnie Parker, 14 years of age, was left in charge of the home of her parents who were called away to Gisborne on urgent business. Minnie also was left to mind her infant brother under two years. Two elder brothers were to arrive before dark but were delayed. When darkness fell, the baby was put to bed, but expecting the boys, the young girl retired late, though anxiety prevented sleep. About 11 p.m. she saw a glare of light caused by houses alight half a mile away. Dressing hastily she folded the baby in a blanket and carried him through swamp and scrub toward the village of Gisborne. About a mile from her home which was now in flames, she heard horsemen approaching swiftly. She ran aside and took shelter under the manuka, fearing every moment that the roughly treated baby would cry. Its sound sleep saved their lives, for about 50 murderous Hau Haus rode past the spot. Daylight came and with it the cries of the tired and hungry child. The almost exhausted girl crawled along the edge of the swamp and fell in a fainting condition within a few yards of the Gisborne redoubt where fortunately their cries were heard.

His Excellency the Governor publicly decorated the little heroine. Minnie Parker, with Queen Victoria’s New Zealand War Medal to commemorate her bravery. It would be interesting to know the subsequent history of Minnie and her little brother.