MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 June 1940, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

TWO SIDES TO EVERY QUESTION. (Recorded by of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) , The enemy claimed to have a revelation from their gods, taunting the English leaders with irreligion, and the men with drunkenness. Governor Fitzroy was urged to sheath the sword and give the Maoris time to sue for peace. Colonel Despard and his troops were directed to form a strong military post at Kororareka.

In June, 1845. a three days’ debate in the House of Commons regarding the unsatisfactory conditions in New Zealand, resulted in troops, warships and money being sent out, Captain George Grey. Governor of South Australia, replacing Governor Fitzroy.

Heke and Kawiti, the rebel allies, had told Fitzroy that death was far preferable to giving up the lands of their fathers. Heke as the first Maori who had fought successfully against trained soldiers, rose high in the estimation of his people. Even To I-leuheu, a loyal chief at Taupo, told Mr McLean that Heke was right in resisting England’s insatiable desire to conquer all nations. The arrival of many warships and troops in October. 1845. terrified the Maoris, who set to work fortifying their positions. The new Governor was believed by them to be a man of great power and ability. The white people were equally divided in their opinions of Governor Fitzroy’s rule. His bankrupt finance brought large grants of money, and the destruction of Kororareka large bodies of troops. In December. 1853, at the farewell to Governor Grey, Bishop Sclwyn said: "Captain Fitzroy was the man who lost Kororareka, but saved New Zealand.”