MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 August 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

CHANGING EXCITEMENTS. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Hawke’s Bay, like every other district under the influence of civilisation, proved that there are no exceptions to that terse truth —“Nothing is permanent but change.” There followed in quick succession the gold fever when the prospectors were making the coming City of Ahuriri a heaven on earth and paved with gold; but the Kaimanawa (belly filled) ranges refused to disgorge an ounce of precious metal. Next they sought grass and grains in limestone ranges and plains, only to find that pasture was more profitable than agriculture in that dry climate and soil. Then followed the period of wealth without labour in the form of regiments of soldiers, the 12th, 14th and 17th, in varying periods, most of them rollicking Irishmen with an inherited fame for their national beverage and hilarity. After their departure the observant Te Kooti and his followers, ever hidden in the forest and protected by secrecy more effective than stone walls, seriously threatened the little town: so we took refuge in amateur volunteers and militia, with the friendly Maoris as our mainstay, because they outwitted the enemy by secrecy—that valuable attribute in war or politics.