MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 October 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

MAORI RECORDS.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

Hidden spots of historic interest in the vicinity of a growing city are apt to be built over and forgotten. Palmerston North is particularly concerned in such episodes of Maori incidents. Two miles from the centre of the city high up on the eastern bank of the Manawatu River overlooking the Hokowhitu lagoon and the golf links on the city side of the river is Anzac Park. There, eighty years ago, was a great Maori Pa which was frequently threatened by a powerful tribe on the western river bank. The occupants stationed a Kaeaea (lookout) family at Pakira Kiri (bald hill) at the summit of the ranges half way to Pahiatua (God’s Company), which in a bee line is 15 miles away. When a taki (challenge) came to the Pa, the Kaeaea lit a fire to summon the assistance of their allies at Pahiatua, who arrived in less than two hours and helped to "hold the fort.” In course of time the forest on the hill top was burnt oil', hence the name” bald hill." Opposite Massey College a mile down the river is an extensive alluvial flat of rich land. The former owner J. O. Batchelar was ploughing it when he unearthed a veritable cemetery of Maori bones. Knowing the fatal result of thus infringing' the sacred law of Tapu. he buried them deeply. Kereama Paoc told mo fifty years ago that his people attacked the Pa at that spot about 40 years earlier killing every occupant and burying them for fertilising the Mara (garden) in which to grow potato and kumara crops of special quality and quantity. Such quaint, though gruesome touches of Maori habits might well be preserved.