Sentence:  The measures which resulted in the crushing of the mutiny within the Five Rivers, were unquestionably <WSD>"pukka</WSD>". ... <WSD>"Pukka</WSD>" and "kucha" statesmanship are, indeed, two things which time rarely fails to detect, just as it tries the durability of a public building or a bridge. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Genuine or authentic; "hence" of behaviour: correct, socially acceptable or proper.