1838 - Polack, J. S. New Zealand [Vol.II] [Capper reprint, 1974] - Chapter X

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CHAPTER X.

The decrease of the flax trade has been very rapid within the last eight years, and whereas in 1831, not less than a thousand tons of shipping were cleared within fourteen days, from the Custom house of Port Jackson, yet, from the unceasing wars of the natives, which prevents that article from being dressed by them, scarcely one hundred tons of vessels would now be cleared

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FLAX TRADE,

from Sydney in six months, expressly for that staple article of export, and in consequence would be no longer in demand at Port Jackson, did not shipping call on the ports where the flax was formerly procured in abundance, on their way to procure a cargo of fish oils, from gangs of whalers stationed in different parts of the coast of the islands, who are employed on this service by enterprising colonists of the above mentioned port.

I may name one merchant who has given every possible impetus to the flax trade, Richard Jones, Esq. Member of the Colonial Legislative Council, whose unceasing exertions, in honourable enterprise, entitles him to a distinct acknowledgement; this gentleman has been minus of many thousand pounds, in the prosecution of this losing trade, as it has proved for many years past. As far back as 1830, another trader in this export shewed me his calculations on the expences, and profits attached to the procuring of flax. He employed two collectors to reside among the natives, on whose diligence he placed much reliance, and in twelve months they had only collected one hundred and sixty tons, most of which was very ill dressed and some of it useless.

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ITS LOSSES

The difficulties with which European flax collectors have had to contend in pursuance of their duties to the merchants who employed them, while residing among the natives, have been so manifold, that a recital of many of their hardships would never obtain credit among the "gentlemen of England, who live at home at ease."

Among the least incredible, 1 will mention the sufferings undergone by Mr. Thomas Ralph, a young man respectably connected in Sydney, at the period referred to in the employ of Messrs Montefiore and Co. of Port Jackson. At the time I received this narrative in August 1836, Ralph was in the employ of the same firm, at Uwoua, as flax agent.

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DISPOSITIONS OF

In January 1832 he resided on the banks of the river Mukou in latitude 38 deg. 30' on the west coast. The tribe among whom he was stationed are known by the patronymic of Maniapoto. In conjunction with the numerous tribes on the river Waikato, they had proceeded to make war on the natives who resided south of Mukou, near to Taranaki, on the coast of Cape Egmont. No particular causes for hostilities existed at the time, unless the ancient custom of utu or retaliation, for the death and actual devouring of some of the ancestors of the war party. The opportunity afforded of a voluptuous banquet, and the collecting a number of slaves--chances that a native can scarce ever resist at any time--proved very attractive in this instance, as the force congregated together amounted to nearly four thousand men; but the arbitrary dispositions of the several leaders, would, on the slightest clashing of mutual interests, in the possession of a slave for instance, turn round to war against each other with the same implacable and sanguinary animosity, during or after the campaign, as they now felt towards the enemy, that had thus combined them together.

Ralph was deserted by his tribe, who left behind them Only two old men, and a decrepid

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WARLIKE TRIBES.

woman. The pa, thus left unprotected, induced a large party from near the river Autia in about latitude 38 deg. to make a descent on the villages of the absent enemy. This attempt was put into execution, and one evening early, after the departure of the Maniapoto, this hostile force arrived in great numbers, and surrounded the house in which Ralph and his native wife resided. The two old sages left in the village effected their escape, but the aged woman they slaughtered and devoured. Night setting in, these plunderers were afraid to attack the lonely cottage; but contented themselves with cutting off every chance of escape to the inmates. At day-break a serious quarrel arose among the tribes, respecting the person of the white man, the major party insisting on his death, that each chief might have a portion of his body; others with not less interested motives, proposed carrying him prisoner to Kawia; and, selling him as a slave, obtain a large price from his countrymen, which would answer for division among themselves. Ralph kept within the house until their fury had subsided, each individual having something to say on the subject, and every one vociferating his opinions at the same moment. He was called forth, and on appearing before these hordes, he was in the hazard of

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WANTON CRUELTIES

being killed in the skirmish that ensued for the possession of his person. His death was again resolved on, but, with the usual fickleness of the people, was deferred, one chief intimating, if the Maniapoto killed any Europeans on their route, Ralph should be sacrificed to the atua. His wife who was daughter to a principal chief of the absentees, was forcibly separated from him, nor was he permitted to speak a word to her, whose ultimate fate must remain unmentioned. A rush was then made at the house which was broken in at every point, the many articles of merchandize plundered, and the flax store containing nearly twenty tons of that material, the property of Messrs. Montefiore and Co. wantonly burnt by the multitude. They proceeded to strip Ralph of his clothes, leaving him in his shirt only. After stripping the villages, and setting fire to the huts, they departed for their settlements, forcibly compelling Ralph to travel with them in the wretched condition he was in. The slaves were made to carry the plunder.

In this journey through the almost impenetrable thickets of the New Zealand forests and bushes, the barefooted Englishman was necessitated to undergo almost incredible hardships, and rocky places which the accustomed natives can scarcely tread

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OF THE PLUNDERERS.

without feeling the unpleasant effects, completely lamed the hapless man. When the natives had food for themselves, they gave Ralph a share, but this allowance was but scanty, as is invariably the case with a wild horde of savages, without any foresight or resources to meet such privations. Fern root procured along the road and a few unripe potatoes, dug up from the plantations of the people they had plundered, were their sole sustenance. In vain Ralph requested the chief to let him make his way to the banks of the Kawia, and promised to procure them any ransom they chose to name. This was sternly refused; he then tried by every possible method, with insults, then cowardice, to cause them to finish their barbarity by putting a period to his existence with the friendly tomahawk; --this had no effect; as they observed, his life as a slave was infinitely more serviceable to them than his death, as in the latter event quarrels would arise among these easily excited and irritable people in the apportioning of his body. The torments he suffered among these marauders caused him to attempt his escape, which he accomplished one night, proceeding some distance; but his want of knowing the localities around Kawia, whither he proposed to direct his way, caused him to lose the track, and early next morning

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SAVAGE CONDUCT

he heard the shouts of the natives, and soon perceived his pursuers running after him with the impetuous fury of blood hounds. About twenty of these savages now came up with him, and though alone and an unarmed man, approached him with trepidation, advancing with uplifted tomahawks. He would have been sacrificed on the spot, but a young chief interfered, by throwing him down, and, placing himself on the prostrate body of Ralph, saved his life. The shirt formerly left him, was now taken from him, and a filthy remnant of matting was thrown to him in exchange; he was then compelled to return, and his death was at once resolved on. As he was sitting on the ground eating a few potatoes that had been thrown to him, a common person stole silently behind him, pointed the muzzle of a musket close to Ralph's head, snapped the lock, but the piece missed fire; a repetition was about being attempted, when a chief took away the piece and saved him. He again prayed them to put an end to his misery, feeling regardless of life, worn to a skeleton with the hardships he had undergone, and lacerated from head to foot with the hard usage he had received. He at length arrived at the settlement of these savages, and shortly after sent a messenger to Captain Kent, who resided on the Kawia river,

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0F THE NATIVES.

to inform that gentleman of his capture, who immediately furnished him with the means of ransom, and after some delays, he was permitted to join his deliverer.

The little dependence Europeans could place on the natives to the southward is further illustrated in the proceedings of the combined forces of Mukou and Waikato, whose absence proved so disastrous to Ralph. In November, 1831, some natives of Waikato arrived in two canoes at Taranaki, under the pretence of purchasing some dried fish of a particular kind, only found on that part of the coast. The strangers were well received, every kindness was shown to them, and previously to their departure, the two canoes they had arrived in were repaired and filled with presents of the fish in request, and other provisions. These strangers were sent as spies, to ascertain the strength of the defences at Taranaki. The natives of the place had not the slightest fears as to the results of the visit, as between the tribes of the strangers and their own there had been peace for a long period.

About a month after the visit had taken place, the latter tribes were alarmed by observing the numerous fires of an enemy at a trifling distance from their village. The number of the entire people around might amount to

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BATTLING TRIBES.

three thousand persons; they immediately mustered together to give battle, but as soon as they ascertained the number of their foes to be superior to their own, (who from their disorderly movements might have been easily discomfited), they felt deterred from proceeding, and hastily retreated to their fortification called Pukerangiora, and without considering their own numerical force, were so improvident as to fail taking up their potatoes and other edibles in the plantations, whereby they weakened themselves in proportion as they strengthened the enemy, as the crops were nearly ripe. The latter captured some men, whom they killed, sacrificing them to Tu, the god of war, and Wiro, the evil spirit. They also caught about twenty-five persons, who were returning from a distant village; these were also slain and devoured by the chief men. They laid waste moreover to every place they could get within reach of; burning the sacred places and cemeteries, and committing with impunity every barbarity, man, in any state, is capable of. A river intersected the road that led to the fortification, and when the enemy waded over, another opportunity was afforded the besieged of destroying and making prisoners a number of the enemy without any difficulty, scattered as

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FLIGHT AND CAPTURE.

they were on either side the river; but the wretched Taranaki people were paralysed with fear, and without the power of resistance. The enemy attempted, after landing, to storm the pa, but failed in effecting their purpose, losing four chiefs and several of inferior grade. In different assaults that were made by the enemy in twelve days, they lost thirty-six of their people.

During this protracted period, the besieged were suffering all the horrors of a dreadful famine. The provisions, originally but scanty, had been early consumed with the usual improvidence of those people. Their condition was truly wretched. Starvation having reduced them to the lowest ebb of despondance, their ultimate fate was hastened by their own acts of imprudence and folly; for instead of leaving the now useless defences under cover of the night, which was the only means left them for escape, like deranged people, they threw down the fences and palings of the pa in the day time, in view of their enemies, every one running away in the greatest disorder and confusion, in all directions. The vigilant enemy speedily discovered the state of the besieged, and instantly, with horrid yells, gave chase, and soon came up with the famished wretches, who had neither strength nor power to defend themselves; they fell like hares

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FATE OF THE BESIEGED.

before the pursuing hounds, neither age nor sex being spared. Numbers of these hapless people threw their children from the steep hill, on which their pa was situated, into the deep river that wound its way at the foot of the hill below, which is washed in its course into the ocean; many parents followed--such horror have the people of the dreadful fate of being devoured. About twelve hundred persons were either killed or captured. These latter were huddled into small huts, and carefully guarded by ruffians with sharpened tomahawks. The conquerors glutted themselves with the bodies of the slain, lying in gore about the plain below and on the sides of the hill, until their brutal lust was satisfied. The next day the unfortunate prisoners were brought out, and those among them, whose faces were well tatooed, were decapitated on a block of wood; others, who had undergone but little of that operation, were immediately killed by a blow on the skull. Every cruelty that malicious revenge could dictate, was put in practise for the amusement of these sanguinary wretches. I may only add that a similarly terrific fate that deprived our second Edward of his life, these wanton savages also put in practice. The trunkless bodies were thrown across a trench, to carry off

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HORRORS OF WAR.

the blood that bedabbled the country around for some miles. Nearly four hundred were butchered the first morning after the victory. Young children and lads were cut open by incisions made hastily down the stomach, eviscerated and roasted on sticks placed round large fires made of the fences of the dismantled pa. A similar massacre to that in the morning, took place in the afternoon, and many of the tribes satiated themselves in these shambles to such a degree, that numbers never recovered from the effects of this abhorrent gluttony.

In all these battles the bodies of relatives are eaten, not from any previous determination so to do, on the contrary, these people observe, that they have an intuitive horror for any act of the kind; but as both parties in the confusion of a skirmish behead their prisoners to preserve them as trophies, and all the combatants being in nudity, it is impossible, in many instances, to distinguish a friend from a foe. Several mounds of human bones were collected and burnt on the place, and some time elapsed before the ashes of these tumuli, remnants of mortality, were afterwards gathered and burned. The cannibal feasts were devoured with the heads of the slain placed on sticks,

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TREACHERY AND INGRATITUDE.

thrust perpendicularly into the ground, facing the victors; the most insulting expressions were uttered by these fiend-like beings, addressing the lifeless heads as if they were capable of attending to a human sound. Before leaving this scene of their success, their superstitious feelings triumphed over their animosity, and they erected, on various places for many miles around, where the unnatural banquets had taken place, raouis, or monumental sticks, to denote the spot, where an enemy, though remembered as having been a former friend and perhaps a relative, had been slain and eaten.

The emaciated remnant that effected their escape by flight from the slaughter at Pukerangiora, hastened to the nearest villages of their neighbours detailed their grievances, and were taken in by those friends, who, on opening their gates to receive them, were fallen upon by the ungrateful runaways, who found the members of these friendly tribes much less than the quantity they could number; killed and devoured them, exhibiting the innate treachery of these people even when oppressed with unparalleled distresses.

The Waikato and Mukou tribes proposed attacking a pa to the southward of the one they had already destroyed, in which were stationed

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ANOTHER ATTACK.

eleven Europeans and three hundred and fifty natives. The difference of numerical force was so much in favour of the former tribes, that the proposition met with universal approbation, notwithstanding the Europeans, though few in number, were regarded with dread, and by others with hesitating fear, especially as they were in possession of four small field pieces. It Was therefore arranged by the allies, not to attack the pa openly as they did the last, but accomplish their ends by treachery, or at all events to try it. The allied troops were discovered at day-break from the pa, which, being situated on a high hill commanded a view of the sea beech for many miles. They were making their way over the sandy shore in the disorderly, slovenly manner of these perverse people, who are unable to follow training among themselves. The pa rang with the alarm, "e tawa! e tawa!" "a fight, a war;" the inmates instantly hastened to the plantations, dug up all their still unripe provisions, and housed them in the pa, before the enemy had time to intercept them, and with the advice of the Englishmen, banked their rush houses with clay, to prevent the balls of the assailants from taking effect. This precaution was found to be of essential service.

The Englishmen cast lots as to manning the

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NEW ZEALAND

guns, and they took their stations, placing each field piece in the most advantageous place. They possessed no fit ammunition; only pieces of iron hoop, and stones were made use of; they requested the natives to follow their advice, and not fear the superior number of their enemies against them, who, on arriving near the vicinity of the pa, perceiving that preparations had been made to receive them, halted for a consultation how they should proceed. The Europeans were not idle, giving directions to their native friends how to ensure these marauders a warm reception. A Waikato chief quitted his party, stepping forward unaccompanied, waving his mat as a signal for a parley; he was soon joined by a chief from the pa. On meeting, the two hostile commanders sat down on the sand, saluted each other, and commenced the "tangi," used by the most endeared friends meeting each other. They talked of former times, and of the ancient friendship that had existed among the tribes. The resident chief enquired what had his people committed that they should now be sought after to be annihilated similar to the natives of Pukerangiora, of whose fall they had heard. Were they not related to each other? Did not the same ancestors bring them forth? Was not the country large enough for either

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WARFARE.

party, and were they not weakening themselves? Would not the new people, the white men overrun the land? and why destroy the few that could make head against them? Why should he and his tribe be made slaves to those to whom they had formerly given freedom? (as had been the case in a former war). Were the Europeans not to be feared, that even when they were dead, a native could not eat their remains without feeling painful fears of the wrath of their atua, and instanced where some Europeans had been killed at Taranaki, and devoured, except the right hands, which had performed acts of bravery ! Much conversation passed of a similar nature, on which, at separating, they embraced each other, the Waikato chief exclaiming, "Well, we will have peace, and before we part admit us into your pa, that we may embrace our friends and swear mutual amity, and it will be the means to cement our future friendship." To this the Taranaki chief would not consent; it was then agreed, between the chiefs, that an armistice should exist between both parties for some days.

Within the hour, the truce was broken by the enemy, who rushed forward, and commenced the war dance, in front of the pa, this was received by the natives within the defences with

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RESPECTFUL DISCHARGES.

different emotions, some of them hailed it as glad tidings of a peace; others more prudent, regarded it as the signal prelude to battle, and prepared themselves accordingly; the Europeans joined in the sentiments of the latter class, as the war dance is performed with the same words and gestures as a prelude before a war interlude in the middle of the melee, or as an afterpiece at the close. When the dance ceased with its discordant din, an immediate rush was made on the pa, accompanied with a heavy discharge of fire-arms, which are afterwards thrown behind them by the warriors, on which they are picked up by the slaves or wives of the owners, who follow their husbands and lovers for the purpose, and to pick up such heads as are decollated during the contest. This movement quickly undeceived the besiegers, who instantly rallied, and caused the enemy to retreat with some killed and wounded, carrying their dead along with them. The besieged lost a few also; some skirmishes took place, but the parties fired at a pleasing distance, and then hastened within their entrenchments.

The next day several shots were again exchanged with similar feelings of mutual accommodation. One chief of the Taranaki party, seized with a fit of valour, ran towards the enemy, and suddenly

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DISTRESSING SCENE.

stopping, discharged the piece, and as hastily ran back; but not before a ball was lodged in his back, and as he fell, his party from the pa, rushed forward to protect the dying man from being taken by the enemy, which caused a skirmish between the belligerents, wherein some few were killed and made prisoners on either side, during which the body of the chief, who had died, was carried into the pa. His frantic widows threw themselves around the inanimate remains, tearing their hair, and excoriating themselves, until they were undistinguishable from blood and filth; they were immediately tapued to attend on his funeral rites A number of relatives of the deceased, joined the widows in their lamentations over the deceased. They all huddled together, covering themselves with mats, mingling their blood with tears, yelling in tones of distraction and sorrow, that refused being comforted.

Several chiefs of the Waikato tribe who were known to be most bitterly disposed to the besieged, paid them a visit in the pa, and entered into conversation, as if they possessed sentiments of the purest affection towards each other. This singular feature in the wars of the New Zealanders has always existed, and advantage is seldom taken, of the many persons

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WARFARE AMONG

placing themselves in the grasp of their bitterest foes. In the interchange of visits in this instance, the subject spoken of, was generally the indomitable and unheard of feats of arms performed by each other, during the morning's battle, or talking quietly over the plans intended to be practised against each other for the future. One valuable circumstance arises for their mutual benefit, namely, that each party are so busily engaged in the discussion of their own important intentions, that the advantage to be derived from such ridiculous and almost incredible confidence is thus lost. The enemy were politely handed to view the guns; the few muskets they possessed, in comparison with their assailants, was also fully discussed; the entrenchments and weakness of the defenses were pointed out, so that those Europeans who had never been accustomed to the political regime of this people, could scarce believe the evidence of their eyes, and listened with undisguised astonishment at the madness and indiscreet folly of their friends.

A surrender was now proposed by the Waikato chiefs, which had been probably accepted by the simple besieged, but for the prudence of the English, who knew well the signification of a native "crowning mercy." On the fourth day of the siege, a slave carried a message to

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THE ABORIGINES.

the pa appointing a meeting between the head chief of the Waikato party and the general in chief of the Taranaki people; --it was agreed to. They met on the sea shore, opposite to the pa, mutually expressed much concern, and conversed very affectionately together, apparently both inclined for a lasting reconciliation. The Waikato chief pretended to feel ashamed at the duplicity he had hitherto made use of, and promised to withdraw his forces immediately. As soon as this news spread in the pa, a number of the inhabitants determined to invite the Waikato tribes to join in a friendly dance with them, but the greater number were apprehensive of treachery. This difference of opinions, was the source of much quarrelling; one man who had disputed with his wife threw himself into a large fire, and was nearly roasted; he was the son of a principal chief and died some days after; two sisters had a severe fracas on the subject, one of whom, a married woman, who had spoken in favour of the Waikato party, ran out of the pa towards the people whose part she had espoused, and whose pretended friendship caused these quarrels; but their affections thus put to the test, was shewn the moment they caught the woman, as her body was cut in pieces in view of the pa, and

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ATTEMPTS OF THE ENEMY.

the mangled parts washed in the river, thus tapuing the water, which prohibited the besieged from making use of the only liquid sustenance they possessed.

Having thrown off the mask, an assault was again made on the pa, whose inhabitants, detesting the treachery of their enemy, manfully resisted, assisted by the Europeans, in defence of their lives and property The enemy next attempted to undermine the fences, by digging away the earth; but the natives within excavated a new line of trench, for the fortification, and frustrated their intentions. The enemy then threw fire brands over the palings, on the rush houses; in this they were defeated by the vigilance of the natives, and the carefulness of the Englishmen. The Waikatos, in several assaults, lost men daily; in vain they pretended regret for what they had done, suing for peace and friendship. The simple besieged in general believed what was said, and felt inclined to trust to the perfidious professions of their enemies, whose sanguinary souls were thirsting for their prey; the place was often on the eve of being surrendered, but for the interference of the white men, who knew the fate that awaited themselves and their native colleagues, if the place was given up.

The assaults were still made, and the losses

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DEFEATED.

were principally on the side of the assailants, when the schooner "Currency Lass," of Port Jackson, arrived in the river and cast anchor. This vessel had put into the place to load with a cargo of flax for Sydney, and bring to the European collectors fresh supplies of trade and provisions. The hostile natives attempted to board the vessel and capture her, but were prevented by the vigilant conduct of the master. These natives being unable to accomplish their purpose, were determined to cut off all communication between the Englishmen and the vessel; this conduct was the more annoying, as these unfortunate traders had been for some months out of necessary supplies; however, one of them a Mr. Love (no relative to the Pathian deity), effected a passage on board. He was saluted with a shower of bullets, all of which passed quite close enough. The natives are seldom found to be very good marksmen. On getting on board, he stated to the master how circumstances stood, and advised him to put to sea, lest the vessel should be captured. On the collector returning on shore he was saluted with another discharge of musketry, which was attended with the same futile results as the former salute.

A messenger was sent to the same Englishman from the Waikato chief, to request that

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FRESH DISCUSSIONS.

person to meet him on board the schooner, without attendants on either side. Mr. H. met the chief, and a long but useless converse took place between them, relative to a suspension of hostilities; but the chief was determined to take the pa, kill the white men, preserve their heads and sell them. This great man was informed, that the Europeans were perfectly satisfied with the position their heads occupied at the time, and they even presumed to think, that they appeared to better advantage on their shoulders, than they could possibly do on sticks as was proposed; they had no ambition to add theirs to the very large collection that had been formed from the luckless tribes of Pukerangiora; but though the numbers of the enemy's forces were eight to one, they were all determined to a man not to surrender, even were they reduced to a fourth of their present number. The chief promised he would give his decision on the ensuing day and would meet him alone on the beech.

Mr. Love informed his friends of the conversation, and it was agreed to enter into no treaty with so perfidious and hostile a horde, as it was well known that honour (said to exist among thieves) did not much oppress the native breast, and nothing less than their departure should restore peace. Mr. Love met

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A PA DURING A CAMPAIGN.

the chief on the following day, and the subject was discussed. The chief now told his auditor he would promise to take the white men only as slaves to Kawia, which doubtless he thought a very merciful commutation, that would be listened to with gladness, and prepared himself to receive appropriate thanks; but the Englishman remembered the race is not for the swift, nor the battle for the strong, and reminded the elder that people in general require to catch even a pigeon, before they can decide on his ultimate fate.

In vain this old fowler tried to inveigle the European among his party; he had not sufficient strength to use force, and they parted for the last time, the wily savage being unable to lull the suspicions of the sagacious trader.

The noise and bustle of a pa during a campaign is almost past endurance; the continual discharge of artillery, shouting, quarrelling, each giving an opinion how military tactics ought to be conducted, others loudly relating what they had performed, or intended to have done, in many cases tantamount to the same thing; the ariolations of the venerable priests, warriors running to have their fortunes told, others making their wills without giving

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STRANGE CONDUCT

their legatees the remotest chance of enjoying the goods and chattels bequeathed.

The Europeans were now perfectly miserable. Fatigued by continual watching, and fearful of a Surprise, they sincerely wished for a pitched battle that their fate might be decided, their own party of natives giving them no less anxiety than their avowed enemies without the pa; they were continually harassed by their mutual jealousies, want of confidence, courage and manliness. No sentinel was kept in the pa, the natives slept as comfortably in the bushes or within the trenches, as if they had no enemy to disturb their equanimity; nothing less than a musket discharged close to their ears would wake them. Strange as this conduct may appear, in resigning themselves to sleep within a few yards of their enemy, whose success, according to a New Zealander is loss of life and soul, yet we have only to reflect how soon danger or, to say the least, calamities lose their poignant effects on us.

Perhaps one of the greatest blessings vouchsafed to us is the transient grief that oppresses mankind in the loss of those persons or things they love best. Were the first emotions of unutterable sorrow to remain indelible in our

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OF THE BESIEGED.

bosoms, the mind and body would be speedily borne down by the burthensome weight, and death would early triumph over our mortal sufferings. Our feelings are soothed, in a similar manner, in respect to old age. How bitterly unpleasant would our fate appear if we were made suddenly aware of the infirmities consequent on a prolonged existence; at an age when in full possession of all our faculties, a kind Creator, with his usual beneficence, has caused this second childhood to steal on us so gradually, that, gentle reader, if you deserve the appellation, doubtless on our reaching the advanced age of eighty, we shall feel just as loath to bid adieu to this "world of sorrows and temptation," as we should feel now at the age of --I say thirty-one, state what you please. I must beg pardon for this digression, but really the natives going to sleep at such a period is enough to vex a saint.

I have mentioned the intercourse that takes place between the hostile parties, during a campaign; but a system of trade is also carried on that will appear less credible. The Waikato and Mukou natives possessed among them from three to four thousand muskets, partly originally purchased by them, and also the spoils of the Pukerangiora natives. The Taranaki people

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WARFARE CONTINUED.

could scarce muster a hundred of these weapons, and there was a consequent demand for them in the pa; the latter were soon supplied with as many of them as they required, and powder also by their enemies, who sold those deadly instruments that would hasten their own destruction, for blankets, etc. This fact is of continual occurrence among these singular people. The Englishmen purchased also many similar weapons at a very low rate, for tobacco, blankets, etc. Many skirmishes took place outside the defences, while some of the warriors of both parties were driving bargains within the pa -- such is the inconsistency of the New Zealanders.

The allies without were not idle during this period, they built high mounds of clay and fern root for the purpose of covering themselves from the stones ejected from the cannon, which were not very effective against the enemy. These merlons, or parapets, were also of much service in overlooking the defences, and discharging their fire-arms into the pa, which rendered it dangerous to appear or walk about; but when a European was seen, his presence was hailed with a shower of balls. One day while a brisk trade was carried on between the besiegers and the besieged, a dispute arose respecting a musket and its payment in barter; a quarrel ensued among

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THE BLOCKADE.

these easily excited people, and three of the Waikato party were killed; they were immediately cut up, roasted and sacrificed to the atua or taken as tithes to satiate the voracity of the priests. The next day, during an assault, one of the field pieces burst, without materially injuring any person. This was a sad mishap, none of the priests had prophecied it. As early as the news reached the enemy, they girded up their loins and felt renovated in spirits, which had by this time fallen somewhat below zero. They informed the people of the pa, that they intended to lie in ambush early next morning, (this fact can be vouched for, however irreconciliable with common policy it may appear). The tidings were received at the pa, with apathy by the natives, who at night rolled themselves in their mats and slept with their usual comfort in the trenches. Not so the Europeans, who were not unmindful that the enemy had blockaded the place full three weeks, and that their patience was now exhausted, they had also heard of the destruction of the villages at Mukou, and knew that their food was now exhausted, not a slave existing who could be cut up into rations by their commissariat. This tedious night was spent in agony by this little band of Englishmen who felt conscious the morrow would decide their fate.

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THE SKIRMISH.

They had been informed that they were to be devoured, and the chiefs were pointed out to them into whose possession their heads were to be given and preserved by the process of steaming. Their native wives and little ones were also apportioned to these blood-thirsting chiefs.

At the earliest dawn the pa was assaulted, by the whole body of the enemy making a rush on the fences, hewing them down with axes and tomahawks, shouting the terrific yells that accompany the war song, screeching in savage chorus. The besieged were awoke out of their sleep gaping with stupid surprise; but a small band of brave fellows gave battle to the enemy, many of whom had forced their way within the pa but were immediately cut off. The intrepid Europeans seconded them; the intrenchments were forced a second time, but much courage was displayed by about a hundred of the pa natives, who were roused to the fury of maniacs, and dealt unerring blows that mowed down the assailants, who charged again, but in vain. The three guns were plied pretty well until the allies gave back, and shortly after ran away hauling their dead chiefs along with them. They were not pursued, as the numbers of the victors were too few. Those of the enemy who

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THE DEFEAT.

were slightly wounded but unable to follow their friends, were carried by two or three of their comrades, but they were soon placed on the ground, from the fear that attacked the whole body of these flying cowards. The skirmish did not continue longer than half an hour, when the enemy took to flight and pursued their way with all speed towards the northward. Many of the wounded were strewed about within the entrenchments; these were speedily killed, and cooked in the ovens.

After some time had elapsed, the inmates of the pa left the entrenchments stealthily, fearing an ambush of the enemy, who were at the time some miles distant on their way to the settlements of the tribes. They had left behind them near three hundred and fifty killed and wounded. When it was ascertained that the coast was cleared of the runaways, all the inhabitants rushed out to seek for prey. The sight, to the Englishmen, was revolting. Bodies, half roasted, were flung across the fires; others, yet breathing, lying in puddles of gore and filth: the effluvium around was almost unbearable. Many prisoners, but slightly disabled, were put to death with dreadful tortures; some being dragged and thrown alive on the large fires kindled by the enemy,

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CRUELTIES PRACTISED

and afterwards devoured with every mark of delight, sensuality, and satisfaction.

The brutalities exercised on the unfortunate wretches that thus fell into their hands, are of too horrible a nature to relate; a parallel may be found in Bryan Edward's narrative of the wars between the French and Haytians, in St. Domingo. One of the victors, a monster of iniquity, made one of the enemy fast to a gun, having captured him while in the act of escaping from the pa after the battle; he unloosened the fastenings, and demanded of the hapless being, what the enemy intended to do next; he received no answer, as the prisoner knew his doom was fixed; a tomahawk was held forcibly between his teeth, and an incision pierced in his throat, from which this vampire slowly drank the blood. The prisoner, it is said, did not blench from the torture; his body was quartered and the heart was sent, as a present, to an elderly chief as a delicious morsel.

A traitor, who had partly betrayed the pa at Pukerangiora, entered the camp. He came to see his wife and children, but was seized and made to suffer the dreadful torments just described. The appearance the pa now made, was a sickening punishment for the Englishmen;

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BY THE WARRIORS.

bodies cut in pieces hanging opposite every house, disgusting to behold, covered with the many gad-flies that swarm at this period of the year, (February). The entrails of so many human beings lying about in every direction, on which the dogs were feeding, together with the sanguinary appearance of these extensive shambles, prevented the Englishmen from pursuing their usual avocations for some time. They had some difficulty in preventing their servant boys bringing pieces of the horrid viands into their kitchens, and within their fences. The enemy had buried many of their friends; those bodies were dug up in their decomposed state and devoured. The Taranaki people lost thirteen chiefs in the war. These were buried with all due honours, and eight muskets with a quantity of leaden balls, cartridge paper, and charges of powder, were buried with each person. This is called a tawa moa, or sacred fight, as it is supposed to be necessary for a chief to be provided with arms and ammunition to fight his way to the Reinga. On the burial of each chief, ten slaves were murdered, to serve the wairua, or spirit of the warrior in the next world.

If the above instances of barbarity are disgusting to recount, the conduct of the enemy was not

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SAVAGE BARBARITY.

less so. One fiend, for such revolting crimes are almost beyond the actions of human beings, ordered a young female slave to make a very large oven, as he intended to regale his friends with a feast. The girl procured the wood and heated the stones red hot for the purpose; she went to the savage and told him she had obeyed his orders, and enquired what provisions should be put in; he peremptorily ordered herself to go into it. The poor creature threw herself before him, clasped his knees, and in an agony of tears and frantic grief, besought his pity; the relentless wretch seized her, lashed her hands and knees together, and threw her in the oven alive. After the body was cooked, it was devoured by this monster and his friends. My informant, who was one of the traders on the spot, added that, to this remorseless chief was appropriated one of the Englishmen had the pa been taken. The intentions of these ruthless hordes, had success attended their arms, was to have made the several traders carry the roasted flesh of their enemies, and, on their arrival at the settlements, to have put them to the severest tortures, by every possible invention, devour their bodies, and preserve their heads. They were not silent as to their intentions, even in the hearing

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SAVAGE BARBARITY.

of their intended victims, which, not a little, raised the determined animosity of the latter, and induced them to give those inimical hordes a reception they never calculated to receive.