MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 February 1940, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

ROPATA'S STRATEGY. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.") Waikare Moana (great sea of rippling waters) was the scene of many battles in which Major Ropata and his friendly Maori allies, 150 of them, joined Major Fraser against the enemies, whose war cry was to chant in low musical tone “Hau hau pai marere (blow, blow, ye gentle breezes) followed in a loud hoarse shout “Hau” (charge-. This was why this fanatical craze for conquest was known as "Hau hau.”

Major Fraser proposed that Ropata should attack the Kopane Pa on one side while the white forces did so on the other. Ropata pointed out the dangers of this plan in the rough country where secrecy and simultaneous attacks were essential. There was also danger in the bush of attacking each other. Ropata with a dozen Ton Whiriwhiri (chosen braves) went boldly in advance, and so directed the charge that many were killed and captured. Among his prisoners were the Taniwha (a mythical reptile) and five murderous followers who were taken aside and shot with Ropata’s revolver. ‘'Serve a few more like this.” he said, “and there will be no more brutal raids on our quiet homes.” In 1866 a band of Maoris under “The prophet” Panapa planned a raid on Napier. Fortunately this was forestalled by Sir Donald McLean, SixGeorge Whitmore, and Major Fraser who made many prisoners by the capture of Omarunui Pa. These, together with Te Kooti. who was really our loyal ally, were sent as prisoners of war to the Chatham Islands.