MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 June 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

KORORAREKA DESTROYED. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) Early in 1845 Captain Fitzroy opened the Legislative Council with a prophecy of improved conditions, and said the main troubles arose from the slanders of those who opposed the Governor’s policy. The settlers had lost all faith in him, and openly condemned his conciliatory method of meeting the Maori demands. Unknown to the Governor, they had sent a petition to the British throne for soldiers. At the moment of His Excellency's optimistic talk, Heke struck a blow for which we were without any protection. For the third time Heke destroyed the flagstaff and said he would never permit its re-erection. Captain Robertson, of H.M.S. Hazard, and 20 soldiers were stationed at the foot of the hill. In due course Heke, with 200 armed men, appeared on the scene. On Sunday the missionary preached lo the crowd of Maoris from the text, “Whence come wars and fightings.” Hoke suggested that he should preach it in English at the invader's camp. The officer of the American warship St. Louis had great difficulty in keeping his crew neutral. History repeated itself in 1914, as it will again in 1940. About 600 Maoris sat on the hills an'd watched the panic-stricken women and children embarking for Auckland, some assisting them to safety whilst the men were fighting desperately. Eleven of our men were killed and 20 wounded. Tiie town was pillaged and set on fire. The Catholic Church and several American warehouses were the only buildings to survive.

ASHBURTON MEETING WIN FOR GOLD BANK. SAPLING STAKES TO SPECIAL FORCE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. June 1. The Ashburton Trotting Club’s meeting was held at Addington today in fine weather. The track was fast and the attendance good. The totalisator handled £30,664 10s, against £39,617 last year at Ashburton. Results: — Longbeach Handicap. 3.49 class; 11 miles. —5/7 Muraahi, scr (J. Dack) 1; 15/14 Frances Worthy, 48 (J. Bryce. Junr.) 2; 6/4 Diana Wild, 36 (D. Mahoney) 3. Head; half a length. Time, 3min 39 2-ssec.

Trial Handicap, 5.1 class; 2 miles. — 3/4 Mortlake, scr (J. Pringle) 1; 1/2 Haughty, scr (O. Hooper) 2; 2/1 Mervyn Derby, scr (J. Bell, Junr.) 3. Half a length; two lengths. Time, 4min 39 2-ssec.-

All-aged Stakes, 11 miles. —17/17 Gold Bank, 48 (W. Thomas) 1; 6/5 Dusky Sound. 48 (R. Townley) 2; 11/11 Sandusky, 48 (R. Berry) 3. Two lengths; neck. Time, 3min 16 3-ssec. Tinwald Handicap. 3.34 class; 11 miles. —13/20 MacGregor, scr (H. Deganneh) 1; 7/6 Little Derby, 12 (J. Bryce, Junr.) 2; 4/3 Marque, 12 (P. Gallagher) coupled with Mahoe, 3. Head; three lengths. Time, 3min 24 3-ssec.

N.Z. Sapling Stakes. 11- miles—l/2 Special Force (P. Gallagher) 1; 6/6 Ronald Logan (R. Townley) 2; 2/1 Walter Moore (R. Berry), coupled with Diamond Jim and Earl’s Pride) 3. Scr: Village Maid. Three lengths; length. Time. 3min 30 l-ssec.

Mayfield Handicap, 3.31 class: 11 miles—2/2 Escalado, scr (J. Bell, Junr) 1; 1/1 Parrish Guide, 12 (R. Berry) 2; 8/9 Timworthy, 60 (F. Holmes), coupled with Shadeland. 3. Three lengths; four. Time, 3min 27 l-ssec. Acton Handicap, 3.30 class; 11 miles. —9/8 Old Faithful. 12 (J. Bell" Junr) 1; 4/3 Rowi, 12 (P. Gallagher) 2; 1/1 Royal Grattan, scr (J. Pringle), coupled with Zingarrie, 3. Head; three lengths. Time, 3min 20sec.

Winter Handicap, 2.48 class; 1| miles.—l/1 Accountant, scr, 1; 2/2’Wee Potts, scr. 2; 10/10 Harold Guy, 12. 3. Three lengths; head. Time, 2.45 1-5,