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(Chapter 4)

The Fall of Kororareka

The authorities in Kororareka had timely warning of Heke's intended attack, but failed to profit by it. On the evening of the 10th March Mr. Gilbert Mair came across from Wahapu to Kororareka in his boat and warned the Police Magistrate (Mr. Beckham) that Heke intended attacking the town and the flagstaff next morning with four or five divisions. Mr. Mair's information was based upon an announcement made by Heke himself; the Ngapuhi warriors had been assembling near Mair's place at Wahapu for three or four days previously. Heke invariably let his intentions be known, and invariably carried them out. Archdeacon Williams wrote to the Magistrate on the same day, saying, “I understand that the natives intend to make their attack in four divisions.” In spite of these warnings, however, the surprise of the flagstaff blockhouse was complete.