During the Waikato war in 1863, colonial forces used three gun boats, including the Pioneer, to control the Waikato river and ferry troops and supplies. The two gun turrets aboard the Pioneer were later given to Mercer and Ngāruawāhia. According to NZHistory.govt.nz, the Mercer turret was formerly used as as Police lock-up in the town, before now being adapted as a somewhat anachronistic First World War memorial.
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