MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

£lOO FOR THE GOVERNOR’S HEAD.

(Recorded by J.H.S., or Palmerston North for the “Times-Age.”)

At Kororareka a Maori woman married an Englishman named Lord. This woman during a dispute called the Maori chief Heke “a pig.” To avenge this insult, Heke, with 100 of his tribe, plundered Lord’s house and carried away the woman under their law of utu. Lord lamented the loss of his faithful mate more than all other belongings, and offered .Heke a barrel of foreign tobacco for her safe return. Heke restored the lady, but Lord refused the promised ransom. In reprisal, Heke robbed three retail shops, and for several days insulted the residents of the village. His troops were taught to regard themselves as under the protection of the Christian God, as well as the Maori god of war, Tu mata uenga. On July 8, 1844, they performed the savage war dance, cut down the flag staff, and carried away the signal balls. Then, calling at the missionary’s home. Heke commended a sick boy to God’s care, and left with his force for his forest home.

In August, 160 soldiers were leaving in pursuit of Heke, when 25 chiefs urged the Governor not to begin hostilities, and offered to Replace the flagstaff. The Governor accepted ten old muskets as payment for damage. Want of men and money threatened to paralyse the Colonial Government at this juncture, and had it not been for loyal Maoris .disaster would have overtaken the settlers.

£lOO was offered for the capture of Heke, and he in return offered £lOO for Governor Fitzroy’s head.