Port Molyneux : the story of Maori and pakeha in South Otago : a centennial history : commemorating the landing of George Willsher and his companions at Willsher Bay, June 28, 1840 : with a programme for the unveiling of the centennial cairn, erected by the Clutha County Council, June 28, 1940
Early Fighting At Matau
Early Fighting At Matau.
In an attempt to disentangle the confusing traditions of Kati Mamoe–Kai Tahu fighting in Otago and Southland, Mr. Beattie worked out some approximate dates. From that list I have extracted the Matau fighting:—
1650.—Kai Tahu first invasion of South Island.
1680.—Campaign against Clutha Natives.
1750.—Fight at Iwikatea (Balclutha). Kati Mamoe won.
1765.—Fight near Kaitangata Lake. Kai Tahu won.
1775.—Massacre at Kauwae Whakatoro or Hillend. Kai Tahu won.
1800.—Fighting at Port Molyneux. Kai Tahu won. “The fighting started at Murikauhaka, the old village at the mouth of the Molyneux, and then the scene shifted to the Whawhapo (the creek at the northern end of the Karoro Reserve).”
After this time, the introduction of firearms and boats altered the complexion of warfare. The new order of things made Otakou and Ruapuke the fighting headquarters.
We see in the family history of Tuhawaiki an illustration of the attempt to patch up a peace between Kati Mamoe and Kai Tahu.