Wellington Redoubts, etc., of the “Forties.”

The general feeling of uneasiness and apprehension that followed the Wairau massacre led to the erection of two defensive positions in Wellington—one on the Thorndon Flat, as it was called formerly, and one at Te Aro, on the north side of Manners Street. The former was situated near the junction of Mulgrave and Pipitea Streets, and was known as “Clifford's Redoubt” and “Clifford's Battery” among the settlers, but appears as “Thorndon Fort” in official documents. Mundy calls it “Clifford's Stockade,” but that name was usually applied to the post at Johnson's Clearing, now known as Johnsonville.

In the New Zealand Journal of the 1st March, 1844, appears a report of the Committee of Public Safety, of Wellington, appointed at the public meeting held on the 19th June, 1843. Among other items of interest in this report occurs the following: “Your committee have also to report that a battery has been erected on Clay Hill, under the superintendence of Captain W. M. Smith, R.A., and three guns placed therein. Another battery on Thorndon Flat was in progress at the period of the arrival of the military from Auckland, but has not been proceeded with since.”

Clay Hill was the name of the bluff headland, known otherwise as “Clay Point” and “Windy Point,” above the junction of Lambton Quay and Willis Street. Its native name was Kai-upoko

In the same Journal of the 6th January, 1844, containing Wellington news up to the end of July, 1843, appears a statement that at 9 o'clock on Sunday, the 2nd July, 400 Wellington Volunteers mustered for inspection on Thorndon Flat. At a meeting of the military sub-committee on the 6th July, there were present Major Durie (president), Captain Sharp, Major Baker, Major Hornbrook, and Dr. Dorset. “It was resolved that a public notice be issued calling upon all parties to assemble on Thorndon Flat on