MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 April 1940, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

THE WORLD’S FINEST PEAK, (Recorded by J.H.S. for the “Times-Age.") There are still a number of beauty spots in the central regions of the North Island, little known to the average traveller. Some once regarded as historic scenes now forgotten and unsought, except by those versed in the doings of passing years. Of such we may class Te Perore. a name which indicates some reference to the native dog. friend, servant, hunter, and protector of those primitive days, when only the Kiore (rat) was the other four legged company. Te Perore was Te Kooti’s greatest, stronghold where Captain St George was killed, and To Kooti shot through the left hand. Looking over this old defensive Pa, one sees the insight of the primitive Maori and his strategy begotten of the fighting centuries. Half encircled by the deep winding Whanganui river 150 feet below. The other half circle approach, amply protected by mountain ranges ending with the fiery steam covered cone of Tongariro. In the very centre of this rear defence is hidden the moans of escape to the vast Tuhua forest, pointing straight toward the great form of Ruahepu the perpetual guide and compass of all forest dwellers and wanderers who would otherwise be lost. With Te Pakaru (broken plain) in this vicinity as a Public Domain. Now Zealand would have the finest and most unique park in the world, and an added attraction of the many puia wera ora (health giving hoi springs).