Te Kopara 23
[3] Te Kopara, Number 23, Gisborne, September, 1915.
‘Iti te Kopara, kai takirikiri ana i runga i te Kahikatea.’
Although the Bellbird is small, he plucks at the Kahikatea. [cf Nga Pepeha 908]
NEWS OF THE WAR.
The news we have received of the fighting between Russian and Germany and Austria is very encouraging. From August up to the present Russia has taken 40,000 German and Austrian prisoners. The strength of Germany is decreasing and that of Russia growing. Germany is considering what it should do after this because it is becoming weaker. There are two things it can do now: first, it can dig trenches to live in through the winter and when winter is past it can resume its intense offensives; secondly, another thing it can do is retreat to the West. There are these two options but both are difficult.
If they stay there until winter is over Russia is not going to leave them in peace. Russia will continue to fight. Russians have the rare gift of being able to fight in the cold. If they retreat it will not be without difficulties because they will be pursued by Russia. The two are still fighting and in the coming days it is not known what the outcome of the fighting will be in that sector. However the thing that is very clear is that no matter how Germany seeks to defeat Russia it will not be defeated. So we have looked back at our speculations in the past that Germany was fighting and pushing Russia back and that Russia was retreating. One idea we had before was that Germany was thrashing the wings of [?smashing the jaws of] the Russian army as they advanced. Some people, those who look deeply into things, think that this is a ruse on the part of Russia to lead the Germans into their territory where they will be able make an end of them. It is very clear in these days that Russia is deceiving Germany. Germany sought before to overcome the wings of the immense Russian army thinking that if it destroyed that army then there would be nothing to trouble it in the East and it would be able to use its men in the West to fight its worst enemies, the English and the French. At this time we see the failing of
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Germany’s desire because of its failure to fulfil its plan. Although Russia has retreated it is an informed retreat, a planned retreat. Its main thought is to pull out its armies so that it does not lose many men; but in all their encounters it has been they who have inflicted great losses on Germany. One of Germany’s problems is that there is no meat for them in the Russian towns they have taken because the Russians have left nothing in those towns; they have left only the buildings standing desolate. Russia is not doing something new because in 1812 they treated Napoleon in the same way; this is the second time they have done this. Japan is making every effort to provide Russia with powder and ammunition. Its government has given orders to the factories making of guns and other munitions to make 1200. The Tsar, the Russian king, has taken command of this soldiers now and appointed Archduke Nicholas to another position. The Tsar has received a greeting from King George V along with a prayer that he may be blessed in everything and in all he does by the heavenly Father.
THE SECOND MAORI CONTINGENT.
On Friday 18th of this month the Second Maori Contingent went down from Auckland to Wellington. Although the people of Wellington regularly see soldiers drilling and parading in their streets, people were all saying how marvellous the Second Maori Contingent was. Although they had see all the troops before, from Pakeha to the First Maori Contingent, there has been none like the Second Maori Contingent. The excellence of the officers along with the height and fine appearance of the men was unsurpassed, and even the [?paraweta] were all sturdy. It is said that as they went the vigour of the movement of their arms and legs was awesome; it was not possible to keep up with them. One reason why they were so praised was that they had had such a short time in training at Takapuna; but when they came to Wellington it was as if they had had that activity grafted onto them. Even in doing the haka the First Maori Contingent could not come close to them. The Second Maori Contingent has a great reputation and our heartfelt hope is that what they do will be as notable as what is being done by their friends who are fighting there. Archdeacon Hawkins is going as their minister. This is very fortunate for them as Mr Hawkins is one of the strong leaders in the Maori Church and, secondly, he knows both sides, Pakeha and
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Maori. On the Saturday the Second Maori Contingent was welcomed by the Governor and the Members of Parliament. They were also welcomed in the Wellington Town Hall. It is said that there has never been a gathering like it. The Mayor of Wellington was Chairman. Those who welcomed the Maori at this gathering were first the Governor again, then the Prime Minister, then Mr Ward, then the Hon [J] Allen, Minister of Defence, and afterwards Sir Timi. It is said that when Sir Timi stood one could see his blood stirring and he forgot that the Governor and Members of Parliament were there. There in that place his Maori side took over even though he was speaking in English. Timi had not been speaking for long before his arms and legs began to move and he began to chant; it is said that people were transfixed as if they had been bewitched by the excellence of what Timi said. We write down what Timi had to say to those young men:
‘Go, not in order to come back, but if you come back to do so as heroes. I am the remnant of the tohunga and so it is for me to bless you before you depart. Be aware that if you do not return as heroes then our gods will give you the raspberry.’ After Timi, the Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Herries, gave his greetings. Ngata gave the final speech which ended this marvellous and wonderful gathering.
THE ROLL OF HONOUR OF THE MAORI CONTINGENT.
The following wounded at now at Malta (September 16):
Ngore, Mangaroa, Whare Pakina, R Devon. Lance-Corporal P Waihape.
In Bristol, England:
Sergeants Ahere, Te Koari, Hohepa.
Flown from Malta to England:
Signaller Matine Taua.
Officers at present at Malta:
Captain Pirimi Tahiwi, Lieutenant Coupar, Lieutenant J P Ferris.
Serious injuries:
T Richmond, R Wairau.
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Died of illness:
M Wahia, A Downs
Those who have returned to the front after the healing of their wounds of sickness:
P Pera, R Wikitera, W Karepane, W Hohaia, C Wood.
Much improved: Tataraea Raponui
Gone to England:
J H Vine, Huikai Rehu.
Gone to Cairo:
Tamahane Kanapu, injured by a rifle shot.
R H Wahanui
Others who have been wounded:
Sergeant Wihape
Sergeant Kingi
Corporal Ngamoki
Corporal Paraone
Privates Barton
Haehuka
Pari
Rukingi
Utatu
Wharerapo
Pitama
Carkeek
Noke
Ngamuka
Taumanui
Rehu
Tioke
Lingi Tuteara
Winihia
Mangaroa
Wikitera
Pahina
Pikiti
Kekiera
G Morgan
R Renata
T Paraone
W Tamihana
Sullivan
Those killed:
Corporal Papu, Privates Te Moni, S W Baker, Waiti S Karetai, W Sidney, R Taewa,
Died of Illness:
Private H K Te Awaru (pneumonia), died at Alexandria.
Private A P Porete (enteric).
Wounded:
T W Nicholls, thigh wound
H Marino, stomach wound
R Grant, leg wound
T Haronga, hand wound
E H Ngarangio, head and leg wounds
R Pari, head and leg wounds
K Rotoatara, leg and hand wounds
W Muera, leg wound
W Wainohu, back wound
W Taruhana, light wounds
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LATEST NEWS OF THE WAR.
At last we have important hews of the present state of the fighting. These are the reports we have been awaiting and at last they have come. Since Lord Kitchener’s new army arrived on the continent we have been waiting for this news and at last it has arrived. When Kitchener’s army arrived we were aware that there would soon be some major attacks and not only in the areas where the French and English are fighting against Germany but in all the places where the allies are fighting.
The West
General French says that he has taken five miles of the ditches dug by the Germans and the enemy have retreated 4000 yards. He has taken 1700 prisoners, eight guns, and many machineguns. This battle took place on Saturday. On the Sunday General [Parani] reported that they had taken 2000 prisoners, nine large guns, and many machineguns; they had also taken a place which had been taken by them from the enemy and had been seized again on the Saturday.
The French Make Good Progress.
The French have taken fifteen miles of German escarpments and Germany has retaken two and a half miles. The prisoners taken by them numbered, without the wounded, 16,000 soldiers and 200 officers. In the two days of fighting 20,000 prisoners were taken and they captured 24 of Germany’s largest guns. The French were not ecstatic or anything when the news reached their homes; but their main reaction was, ‘If only it were tomorrow and the Germans had been defeated, but the war is going well.’
Russia and Italy.
The jaws [? wings of an army] of Austria are taking a pounding from Russia and Italy. Many of the parts of Russia that had been taken have been regained by it now. The Austrians are retreating before Russia and Italy. A recent battle saw the defeat of Austria by Russia. In one place 8000 Germans were killed without losses on the Russian side. The reason why Germany is suffering these great defeats is that they mistakenly thought they could go into that country without opposition, but Russia lay down before them. They let them come to them and then burnt them with fire; the German losses were not inconsiderable. In these days Russia is making marked progress as evidenced by the fact that they have taken 600 machineguns, and captured two parties carrying ammunition for the German big guns, and one town.
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Dardanelles.
The main news from the Dardanelles is that Turkey is angry with Germany for deceiving her. Perhaps the Turks have become aware that it will not be long before the Allies arrive in Constantinople since they have ordered all women and children as well as non-combatant men to leave the city.
A LETTER FROM TIAKI MAKITANARA [JACK MacDONALD] TO HIS PARENTS.
The Soldiers’ Camp,
Zeitoun, Egypt.
To my parents.
I am sending these few lines to you to let you know that I am still alive and well, and with the hope that all of you are the same. Perhaps by the time the two of you receive this letter my friends and I will have crossed to the Dardanelles. In a few days our party will set out to attack the enemy’s fortifications. Then I shall satisfy my desire to land a punch for my people. The battle will be tough; so what, we are here and we are coming. New Zealand has a great reputation for its warriors who are fighting and we too will enhance that reputation. Now you two must not be anxious about me; you know the last words I spoke to you when I left home – ‘Hold to the principles of the Gospel.’ I know that because of your faith in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ I shall return to you all. While we are here it is our gatherings for prayer that I really miss. It doesn’t happen here. Our job is only to be soldiers and no-one says it is an easy job. But, what of that? I still think the same and I continue to fight for the faith of the Gospel. So I end my words in this way: May the Lord help us all through his Holy Spirit. I hope that he will look down on me as I fulfil the task that he has laid upon me to do, and will bring me back to my loving parents. May God bless you all.
From your loving son,
Tiaki Makatanara.
7th May, 1915.
p.s. I must tell you that I am the only one of our party that does not drink alcohol.
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I hold still to my promise that I will not drink alcohol or smoke. I want to keep this up. T M
[Note. – This young man belonged to Rangitane. He went to the war with the First New Zealand Division, in the 10th Mounted Regiment. His home was Wairau. In July his parents received the news that their son had been killed. He was struck by a bullet at the Dardanelles. He was twenty years old. – Editor.]
A LETTER FROM G R REWA.
St Andrew’s Military Hospital, Malta,
10th August, 1915.
Dear Uncle,
I am sorry that we are not permitted to write in Maori; the Rule is that all our letters must be in English. If we write in Maori or perhaps another language it will not be sent. I am doing very well. The nurses at the hospital are very good to me as are the doctors. Although I have been here for three weeks my thoughts are with all my friends fighting over there, and my great wish is to return there soon. Every day I talk about them but the sisters are very sympathetic to my thoughts, and in my heart I feel deeply for my friends. The women of this island are very good in bringing cigarettes and tobacco and other things. Greetings to you. May God bless us all. Remember me in your prayers.
From your nephew,
G R Rewa.
[This letter was written to one of the men of Te Rau College, Waewae Ratapahi. Rewa was one of the first to be wounded; however he is well now. – Editor.]
YOUNG MAORI WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED.
One shouldn’t be surprised that our Pakeha friends stress that it is their leading young people who have been killed and not ours, because some of those who have been killed were widely known to all the Pakeha of New Zealand. However Rukingi was a young man widely known in New Zealand and as far as Australia.
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He was killed and his friend, Kaipara, is lying in hospital. But here in Gisborne these young men, Rukinga and his younger brother are very well known. There is great grief in Gisborne for these young men who have died, together with other young men from here – Tanara Wherihi, Akuhata Paku, Rawhira Wairau and Whare Peka. Friends, farewell. You died honourable deaths fighting for your King, your Country, and the standing of England, and upholding the name of your parents and ancestors.
GENERAL JOFFRE.
‘Crush the jaws of the enemy!
If not, then go to die!’
These were the words of the General commanding the French armies before last Saturday’s big push. He said to his forces, ‘There is no retreating from this charge; no retreat has been planned. Remember the Marne! Crush the jaws of the enemy; if not, then go to die.’
†††††††††
The French have fought their way to Germany’s third line of defence. The French are doing very well.
30,000 GERMANS ARE BADLY DEFEATED.
These 30,000 Germans were fighting against the French on a steep slope. The French were at the top, the Germans at the bottom. The Germans were driven by the French into a river that was in flood at that time. There were no German survivors; they all died. It is said that at some places on that river men were so piled up that one could cross over dryshod.
ITALY AND AUSTRIA.
The latest news of the fighting between the Italians and the Austrians is that the Italians have taken [Korihia]. There were 30,000 men in this fort. It is surmised that 8,000 Austrians died in the final charge. The total number of Austrians taken prisoner by the Italians was 20,000; the number of Italians taken prisoner by the Austrians was 1,000.
LORD KITCHENER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
[This is my back-translation of the Maori. The original English Letter is reprinted below. – Barry Olsen]
These are the instructions that Lord Kitchener gave to his soldiers at the beginning of the war before they departed for the lands where the fighting was taking place. These instructions were printed on card and then they were distributed to each soldier as a headband between their eyes:
You are soldiers of the King and you have been ordered to go abroad to help our allies, the French, to stand against the nation that has declared itself their enemy and ours.
There is a great task before you, therefore be courageous, be energetic, be patient. Remember that if you do what is right it will redound to the honour of the Empire of England. When you go it is for you to demonstrate these things – obedience to orders and not being flustered when you are under fire, and to stand by those nations that are called to be our allies and to go to their aid.
The place where you will be fighting is within the borders of our allies, the French and the Belgians; conduct yourselves there so as to show the character of the true English soldier.
Be courteous, be loving, be kind. Do not damage anyone’s possession; you must regard such doings as the work of a scoundrel.
You will be welcomed by our allies and they will put their trust in you. Their expectations will be fulfilled by your integrity.
You will not accomplish the task you are to do if your bodies and not healthy and fit, therefore be very careful that you do not engage in practices that will harm your bodies.
When you go you will face two temptations; the first is to drink intoxicating liquor, and then there is the desire for the enemy’s women. You are to have the courage to stand against these temptations. You are to be courteous to these women but not to have relationships with them.
Go, be brave.
Fear God.
Honour the King.
Kitchener, Field-Marshal.
[This paper is to be considered by each soldier as confidential, and to be kept in his Active Service Pay Book.
You are ordered abroad as a soldier of the King to help our French comrades against the invasion of a common enemy. You have to perform a task which will need your courage, your energy, your patience. Remember that the honour of the British Army depends on your individual conduct. It will be your duty not only to set an example of discipline and perfect steadiness under fire but also to maintain the most friendly relations with those whom you are helping in this struggle. The operations in which you are engaged will, for the most part, take place in a friendly country, and you can do your own country no better service than in showing yourself in France and Belgium in the true character of a British soldier.
Be invariably courteous, considerate and kind. Never do anything likely to injure or destroy property, and always look upon looting as a disgraceful act. You are sure to meet a welcome and to be trusted; your conduct must justify that welcome and that trust. Your duty cannot be done unless your health is sound. So keep constantly on your guard against any excesses. In this new experience you may find temptations both in wine and women. You must entirely resist both temptations, and, while treating all women with perfect courtesy, you should avoid any intimacy.
Do your duty bravely.
Fear God.
Honour the King.
Kitchener, Field-Marshal]
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People wanting a Bible or a New Testament should apply to the Bible Depository Sunday School Union, Auckland.
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