Historic HB: Maori came to rescue in 1931

When Maori from Waimarama, Omahu and Pakipaki pa heard of the destruction the 7.8 earthquake on February 3, 1931, had caused in Hastings, they made their way into the CBD immediately.

This group of young Maori men are looking at the damaged Grand Hotel opposite Westerman's in Heretaunga St.

Proprietor Jack Ross is trapped in the cellar and they are planning how to rescue him.

One young Maori reporting for duty asked: "Where is the boss of the earthquake?" - in reference to the whereabouts of solicitor Colonel Holderness, who co-ordinated part of the relief effort.

Noticing how Maori did not flinch during large aftershocks while undertaking brave rescue attempts of their European neighbours, remarks were made that "Maori seem to have a built-in immunity of earthquakes".

When Maori came across a dead body, however, they would quickly move away, due to tapu.

Some Maori were also sworn in as special police to stop looters.

About 200 Maori from Bridge Pa camped behind what is now Farmers in Queen Street West.

While the men demolished most of Hastings' unsafe buildings during the day, the Maori women kept camp and cooked over large fires.

Sir Apirana Ngata, Minister of Native Affairs, came to Hastings to personally thank Maori for their efforts, as did Hastings Mayor George Roach.

Weeks after the earthquake, some noted that social rank and other divisions disappeared during the crisis in Hastings and that nearly everyone pulled together for the common good.

Michael Fowler is taking his Quake Tour around the Hastings CBD on Art Deco Weekend. Bookings at the Hastings i-site or visit www.eventfinder.co.nz