Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 6, October 1966
By LAWRENCE M. ROGERS, M.A.
Some of the articles in this issue of the Journal illustrate an important fact that it is too often forgotten in the popular conception of the history of our country. When men speak of the integration of Maori and Pakeha and insist that both should remember that they are New Zealanders, most are inclined to think of our history as beginning with the Treaty of Waitangi, or at some point in time when European settlement was first made. If true integration of our two races is to come, we shall have to be conscious of the fact that our common history stretches far beyond the Treaty of Waitangi to those dim mysterious days when the Maori ancestors arrived in New Zealand. It is only this acceptance of our common history which will make true integration of the two races possible.
It is good to find that other historical societies as well as our own are aware of the importance of this view of our history. Serious and valuable Research has been undertaken by these and we congratulate the old established Te Awamutu Historical Society which launched its first Journal this year and is desirous of exchanging copies with our Society. In the latest Number the Editor, Dr. J.B.W. Roberton who is an authority on Maori Settlement in the Waikato comments on the correct spelling of Maori place names, and has another article which gives an account of the battle of Hinga-a-kaka which took place near the end of the eighteenth century at Te Mangeo on the eastern side of Ngaroto Lake. There are notes also on preserving an old canoe and on Te Kooti's Korowai which is a possession of the Te Awamutu Museum. The remaining articles in the Journal are on John Morgan, Samuel Morgan and Matire, Postal Services in Te Awamutu District, and Extracts from the Reminiscences of James Lloyd Mandeno. The result is a well-balanced Journal.
We need not flinch, however, from comparison with our own Journal. Nevertheless, we would welcome more informative articles on the Maori history of our district. We appeal to those who have the knowledge to make it available for publication in our Journal. We have a rich history which is all too little known.