One of the most ambitious field trips ever organised by the Nelson Historical Society was that to Tua Marina and Port Underwood in October 1973. Members of the Marlborough Historical Society welcomed our party from Nelson at Tua Marina and Mr Frank W. Smith gave a very interesting talk on the affray which took place here between the Maori people and Captain Wakefield's party on 17th June, 1843. Later Mr Smith accompanied the party on the trip to Port Underwood and we are pleased to be able to present his notes here.

The brig Victoria anchored off the Wairau Bar on 11th June and the party rowed up the Wairau river and spent the night in the Big Bush at Grovetown. Next morning they rowed up and left their boats at the mouth of Blind Creek and then reached the fateful spot by walking along two of the tracks made by Barnicoat and Thompson's survey parties. At that time the hill reached right across to the creek edge. (This has now been cut back to allow for a railway and modern highway). The Maoris were camped on the west side of the creek near where a walnut tree now stands. The stream was deep and a canoe was put across just below the titoki tree for Captain Wakefield and party to cross. The trouble started on the other side towards the walnut tree. The party retreated up the hill firing as they went and stopped where the Monument now stands and that is where Te Rangihaieta did his dark deed.

The monument was erected in 1866.