[Bridge, Cyprian (Lieutenant-Colonel)], 1807-1885 :The attack on Pomare's Pa, 30th April 1845.

Shows a daylight view of a large naval sailing ship (possibly the HMS 'North Star') at left, firing cannons towards the high headland at the right. A small group of figures can be seen at the top of this headland. Below is a small fully rigged sailing ship, also firing cannon, and surrounded by nine waka which are heading towards the HMS 'North Star'. There is a smaller lower headland in the right foreground where a group of blue-jacketed figures (likely to be marines) stands around a flagpole. On the beach further away at the right two groups of figures offer retaliatory gunfire, and bursts of smoke erupt from small groups on the slopes of the bushcovered high headland. There are three other European sailing ships on the distant horizon of the sea.

An extract from the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 14 June 1845, page 60, states: "The ships anchored at about 800 yards from the pa; and as the day dawned a white flag was seen flying within the fence; shortly after another was hoisted. This was answered; and it was determined that if Pomare gave himself up to stand his trial, the people should be spared. By this time the troops were all on shore, and many natives were to be seen in groups upon the hills, having muskets in their hands. At half-past eight, Pomare was sent on board the North Star, and arrangements were then made to march into the country to attack and destroy the pas and places of the chief Kowaiti and others, who were known to be in arms against the Government. The road no person knew ; rivers and swamps were to be crossed ; the country was covered with thick brush ; and the natives were to be seen ready to fall upon the rear, and follow as soon as the march commenced. The idea of moving that day was given up ; and the natives were called upon to deliver up their arms by four, p.m., or the attack would be made upon them. By four, the pa was deserted, three muskets only having been given up. It was accordingly fired ; and all idea of advancing being given up, the troops re-embarked".

Atributed to Bridge on stylistic grounds. The style appears to be drier than that of John Williams, an artist working at the same time and place (See for example "H M S North Star, at the destruction of Pomare's pa, Otuihu, 30 April 1845", attributed to Williams). Accompanying label also makes the attribution to Bridge, along with the title supplied.

There are topographical details in this view casting doubt on the title and subject-matter, particularly the fact that the view appears to be from the open sea, rather than the interior of the Bay of Islands. The title seems likely to be a speculative later addition, and the view may not be of Otuihu or the attack on Pomare's Pa.

Quantity: 1 watercolour(s).

Physical Description: Watercolour, 130 x 196 mm.

Provenance: Originally from a private vendor in England.

Processing information: Deframed by the Library.