MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 February 1940, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES

TE KOOTI’S AMBITION

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

Te Kooti who knew the coast line from boyhood, directed the "Rifleman's" course to the harbour named “Whare onga onga" (house of the stinging nettle). He sent a Karere (messenger) io the various tribes and hapus (sub-tribes) asking them to join his Omaki atu (swift move) against Waikato where he intended to dethrone the Maol'i King and become the pre-eminent ruler of New Zealand by right of his personal Mana (influence or power) created by his “victory of Briton's Navy." Major Biggs at once enlisted a. force of volunteers- under Captains Westrup and Wilson who demanded Te Kooti’s surrender. The reply was “God released me from unjust bondage and directed me to depose the false Maori King. I do not interfere with your Poverty Bay ter-, ritory unless you compel me to fight." Major Biggs had but 40 men, while Te Kooti had 200 well armed.

Despite a plucky defence, Westrup and Wilson had a narrow escape from capture which would have meant death. Two were killed and a number wounded. Te Kooti captured their horses, tents and equipment to the value of £l.OOO.

Those officers were engaged in the early weeks of this dangerous pursuit through strange mountains, bush and rivers, all of which were home to Te Kooti. The handicaps against our men were as ten to one, and had to be faced by death or abandonment. Among them were gallant officers like Captains Richardson and Gascoigne. The latter eventually became Magistrate at Chatham Islands. Colonel Whitmore then took up the fight against Te Kooti.