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Kaeo's Memorial Cairn




After driving through Kaeo so many times we decided in the weekend to stop at this apparent historical spot. Overlooking the township is this memorial cairn which commemorates the site of the first mission and was erected by Maori members of the Methodist church under the guidance of Rev. A.J. Steamer.  It is built from water worn gray marble boulders which were transported by barge from an ocean beach (possibly Tauranga Bay), through the harbour and up the Kaeo river to the site.

The cairn itself was dedicated at the centenary celebrations on 8 March 1922 by a Rev Grainger Hargreaves. 2 boulders on it bear inscriptions. The 1 on the left says in English "On this spot the Methodist mission to the natives of NZ was established June 10th 1823 by Rev Samuel Leigh. What God has wrought!". The on the right bears the same but in Maori.

Unfortunately it only has 2 very run down falling apart graves with no tombstones to indicate who lies beneath so we have no way of knowing who they belong to but there is a modern cemetery right across the road lying on the hillside behind.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday and My corner of the world.
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Comments

Maria Rodrigues said…
Interesting place.
Have a nice week
Maria
23 July 2019 at 06:35
Billy Blue Eyes said…
Over here in the UK you would see a chest tombe behid the railings or a family vault. That one looks to hav ebeen long forgotten. Quite a cairn that has been built there
23 July 2019 at 09:22
Fun60 said…
An impressive cairn. A pity it hasn't all been preserved.
23 July 2019 at 09:24
Jenn said…
So much history! I have found roadside markers and historical places are always interesting to stop at.
23 July 2019 at 09:44
Carol @Comfort Spring Station said…
Historical markers are very interesting
23 July 2019 at 10:46
Photo Cache said…
Historical place.

Worth a Thousand Words
23 July 2019 at 12:51
Sandra Nachlinger said…
It's fun to stop and take a closer look at a place that you pass often. You've inspired me to do that more often.
24 July 2019 at 12:19
Carol @Comfort Spring Station said…
Fascinating little place - thanks for sharing.
24 July 2019 at 22:03
betty-NZ said…
What an unusual place. Now I have to do some research about the graves!

I'm so glad you linked up at 'My Corner of the World' this week!

My Corner of the World
24 July 2019 at 22:34
Sharon said…
A very interesting place that is still holding on to it's secrets.
25 July 2019 at 09:41
carol l mck said…
Impressive cairn ~ great shot~

Happy Day to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
25 July 2019 at 10:55
Bill said…
A wonderful place, thanks for sharing.
25 July 2019 at 11:19
Sallie (FullTime-Life) said…
So much work went into building the cairn ... a fascinating discovery. Missionary history here in our western states is quite interesting as well .
28 July 2019 at 09:25
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