Mobile Unit. Patea history

Patea History:
Harry Locker and Matthew Carey (both 85), describe events in the Patea area from the 1860s, including the first schools, Titokowaru, von Tempsky and his death, Turuturu Mōkai Pā, details of military actions, and many details of life after the land wars. Includes much detail about Māori known personally to speakers. There is a vivid account of the surrender of a tribe at Whenuakura, under the impression that they would thereby be allowed to keep their land, and the subsequent imprisonment of the men, the women and children being 'put up' at Wanganui, and the confiscation of their land.

Part 1
Mr Locker arrived in Patea 1863 aged three years old. Mr Carey arrived on the sailing ship Phoebe in 1866. Patea was then a soldier's encampment near the beach. Discussion of state of relations with Māori, beginning of troubles. Then mentions the first government school in Patea with four children, including Mr Locker, who is the only one remaining. Second school was run by the wife of Captain Morrison, 1866. First paid Schoolmaster was Mr Palmer.

Then discussion of volunteer corps formed during land troubles, commanded by Palmer. He was killed at Te Ngutu o te Manu. Speaks about Titokowaru and the reward of 1,000 pounds on his head - dead or alive. Includes a description of him - not tattooed. Then his march on Patea to make peace. Speaks about Von Tempsky, and Titokowaru's attack on Turuturu-Mokai.

Part 2
Stories of Captain Blake - Arawa tribe commander. Impressions of Von Tempsky, and description - long hair, short walking stick. He knew every Māori in the Turuturumokai party. Reaction to Te Ngatu o te Manu - Patea very down-hearted. Speaks about Māori opinion of Von Tempsky, then the resignation of Colonel MacDonald. Discussion of Māori coming down the coast after Te Ngutu o te Manu, and settlers evacuated from Patea by Government steamer to Wanganui. Defeat of Whitmore. Sir Harry Atkinson's elections.

Part 3
Following defeat of Whitmore at Waverley, Titokowaru goes toward Wanganui - reason for Māori desertion of Pa, through loss of mana owing to liaison with Māori woman of inferior rank. So Manu tapu broken. Then the dispersal of Hau Hau. Discussion of Colonel Noake and soldiers taken by canoe fleet to Whenuakura, and brought tribe to Patea. Māori P.O.W.'s. in the old jail in Wanganui, Warata fed the children. Speaks about the confiscation of Māori land. Then Major Noake, the first resident magistrate in Patea, Light Brigade associations, and his death in the Bay of Islands. Major Turner followed as resident magistrate.

Part 4
Modes of transport including the first coach, and routes. Story of the drowning at sea of Mr Sheppard, who ran the coach. Discussion of the work of the early settlers, and transport of their farm produce by dray to Nelson. Then amusements, sports etc. including competitions at climbing a greasy pole, and catching a pig with a greased tail. Discussion on football, and the first race meeting in 1868.

Part 5 (not in collection)
Mr Carey speaks about his father, a military settler (arrived 1866-68), and how his mother's kindness to Māoris saved the lives of their own family. Speaks about their arrival in Patea and early incidents, includes cooking facilities in the 1860's, and features of their property.

Part 6
Personal history of Mr Carey, including his sporting life. Speaks of his early involvement in football in the early 1870s, all ‘friendly games’. Discussion of various games against different North Island clubs. Then on to early shooting clubs.

Discussion of involvement with the fire brigade, working with water from tanks, and the first manual engine from Wanganui. His sons and grandsons followed him into it, discusses their length of service.