MAORI MEMORIES
PAKIRA KIRI (Raid Hill).
ißeec,rJfd by J H.S.. of Palmer-ton North, for the “Times-Age."i
On the river cliff. opposite the city of Palmerston North overlooking the beautiful grounds of city golf links, on the high forest reserve now known as "Anzac Park." there was a strongly palisaded Maori Pa with a limited garrison, one of whose special duties was to guard the tribal Urupa (burial place) half a mile toward the Tararuas (double peak) range of hills. Observing tlie usual Whaka ari (courtesy) before a fight, just as did the Britons who sought to fight a duel, the Maori enemy on the opposite side of the river sent a Taki (challenge). This enabled the weaker tribe in the Pa to light, a fire in a special spot which was the signal to the Kaitiaki (sentry) living on ihe summit of Pakira Kiri to repeat the signal there as a message to the friendly tribe at Pahialua to come to the rescue. They made the 22 mile journey in a remarkably short space of time. They came from Pahi Atua (God's company), killed the marauders and returned home next day.
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Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 May 1940, Page 3
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191MAORI MEMORIES Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 May 1940, Page 3
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