Twenty-five Years' Experience in New Zealand and the Chatham Islands

Frederick Hunt

First published by William Lyon in 1866

Digitised and made available online by the University of Auckland Libraries and Learning Services.

Epub © 2013 Early New Zealand Books Collection

ISBN 978-1-927288-73-3

[TITLE PAGES]

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS' EXPERIENCE
IN
NEW ZEALAND
AND
THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

An Autobiography.

BY
FREDERICK HUNT .
EDITED BY JOHN AMERY.

SECOND EDITION.

Go forth! young pioneers, go forth!
As men prepared for strife!
Let truth and honour be your shield,
And battle well with life.
Aye! let your martial sounds be heard
Through distant forest glades;
The axe and mattock ringing out
To the music of your spades.

WELLINGTON:
WILLIAM LYON, WILLIS STREET.
DUNEDIN:. J. MACKAY; CHRISTCHURCH; J. HUGHES; NAPIER: J. WOOD; MELBOURNE: G. ROBERTSON;
1866.

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[DEDICATION]

TO

HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE GREY, K. C. B.,

GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND,

THIS SMALL WORK

IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED

BY

THE AUTHOR.

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[PREFACE]

PREFACE.

THE Autobiography here presented to the Public is the narrative of a working man who has risen to a superior position by no lucky move on the great chess-board of life, nor by successful and daring speculation, but simply by force of character, energy, integrity, and industry; often depressed by cruel circumstances: cast down, but never destroyed, he fought the battle of life manfully; and presented so true a type of the old Anglo-Saxon race, that the writer urged him to unfold his experience to the world. To this he kindly, but somewhat reluctantly, consented, and produced the present narrative. The words, with some few exceptions, are his own; and events are related as they actually occurred. The writer therefore submits this to the Public in the humble hope that the tale will not be without its moral,

J. A.

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[CONTENTS]

INDEX.

EARLY STRUGGLES...................................................9

SOME ARE BORN TO HONOUR..........................................14

A ROW IN THE HOUSE ................................................16

HOME, SWEET HOME...................................................21

A VOYAGE TO THE CHATHAMS .......................................23

ANOTHER EXODUS .....................................................28

THE ABORIGINES ......................................................34

THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING.............................................40

A SUSPICIOUS VISITOR ................................................42

THE TAUA ..............................................................47

HARD TIMES ...........................................................52

THE GOOD SHEPHERD ................................................56

PERSONAL NARRATIVE – CONTINUED ................................57

CONCLUSION ...........................................................60

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CHAPTER I. EARLY STRUGGLES.

CHAPTER I

EARLY STRUGGLES.

AFTER a long and stormy voyage of 130 days the ship Martha Ridgway dropped anchor in Port Nicholson about the latter end of November 1840. Her cargo consisted of general merchandise and she carried between three and four hundred emigrant passengers, including my father, mother, two brothers, and four sisters, also my wife and child, and myself.

My first impression of the land of promise may be inferred from my reply to the query of a fellow-passenger, – "Well," said he, addressing me, "and what sort of a land do you think this is?" "Why," replied I, "if this is the country we are to sow and reap from, it will tire many a poor ploughman." In truth, the prospect seemed anything but inviting, – hill upon hill, and mountain upon mountain, frowned down upon us from their lofty heights until they became lost in their misty mantles. Now this, to the eyes of a Lincolnshire man accustomed to luxuriate and delight in the highly cultivated level expanse of his native country, presented an outline most wild and uncongenial; and I confess, for the moment, to a slight infection of the mal du pays: but my spirit, ever superior to circumstances, speedily rebounded; and I determined, with God's help, to struggle manfully for an honest livelihood in my newly adopted country.

Some cases of small-pox having occurred during the voyage, we were ordered into quarantine for twenty-one days; but at the expiration of four days a party of the male passengers, including myself, obtained permission from Dr. Dorset, the medical inspector under the New Zealand Company, to land and explore the site of our future home; and I planted my foot for the first time upon the soil of New Zealand. My impressions, however, did not improve upon a nearer acquaintance, – everything seemed sterile and rugged in the extreme. Well, thinks I, this land may do very well for cattle and sheep, as pastoral country perchance becomes valuable; but it will require the transition of ages to render it available for plough or harrow. After wandering about the vicinity up hill, through gullies and pathways most devious and difficult, we found ourselves at Evans' Bay; and here, to our great surprise, we discovered wild oats and turnips growing luxuriantly. By whom the seed was first sown God only knows; but as the Maori designates

the turnip Captain Cook's cabbage, I presume that great circumnavigator had something to do with it. We each gathered an armful of the turnip tops, and returned on board with them; they were then boiled, and proved a most valuable and delicious adjunct to the usual meal, – welcome tenfold after a long voyage.

Our probationary term passed wearily away, but it ended at last, as all earthly troubles must sooner or later; and our ears were assailed by a stentorian voice shouting out, "Now, bundle up your traps; ashore you go!" There was nothing particularly melodious in the voice which emitted these sounds; on the contrary, it forcibly reminded one of a stoker with the ashes in his throat. Nevertheless, it was glorious music to us, and we lost no time in obeying the mandate. The usual exciting scene speedily followed – hauling, bawling, and screaming, from young men and maidens, old men and children, each anxiously looking out for their goods, chattels, and personal safety. The Captain strictly enjoined the men in charge of the boats to land everything on Pipitea beach, at high water mark; instead of which they pitched out the luggage anyhow and anywhere, in spite of remonstrances from the unfortunate owners. My personal property was much too heavy to be removed without assistance, and what to do in this dilemma I knew not. Presently, however, I saw a white man approaching, in company with a native woman. He appeared to be an old settler, and one likely to help a poor devil in his extremity. So I very civilly said, "My friend, will you lend me a hand to place my boxes above high water mark?" His reply was, "Get up your boxes yourself and be d – – -." Well, thought I, this must be the free and easy sample of a new country. So instead of praying to Jupiter for assistance, I turned to with renewed energy, and by dint of rolling, parbuckling, and dragging, I eventually placed everything high and dry, – and there they lay for some days; in fact, thousands of pounds worth of property was strewn along the beach, exposed not only to the weather, but also to the depredation of those who might be dishonestly inclined. Still, nothing was lost, each person having quite enough to do to look out for his own.

The next thing to be considered was a place of shelter for the night, which was fast approaching; not a dwelling on the beach was completed. I knew not in what direction I should bend my steps: like Mark Tapley, I felt considerably jolly, and there was some merit in it. Eventually, however, I bargained with a person for a night's lodging for myself and family in a house with half a roof; and there, in company with a motley group of our fellow-passengers, we reposed upon the floor, whilst the moon and stars shone gloriously upon us. For this luxurious accommodation the proprietor's charge was two shillings and sixpence. At the earliest dawn of morn I sallied forth fully resolved to build some-

thing like a home. My wife was upon the eve of confinement, and no time must be lost. My goods were all safe upon the beach, and with a large stone I broke open a case containing my tools. With these I proceeded to what is now the Karori road, and commenced erecting a temporary dwelling, or rather a gipsey tent, which I covered with blankets. I then went to work with a will, got the frame of a house put together, interlaced the whole with branches of the ti-tree, and it really looked quite snug and tidy. My next consideration was the roof – that was a puzzler! but whilst cogitating upon this matter, a native came running towards me with a crayfish in one hand, and another fish in the other. I commenced to bargain with him for the fish; but the more I talked the more mystified he became. The only words I could make out were "homai te hereni;" and being totally ignorant of the language my ideas were about as foggy as his own. At last he put his hand upon my neckerchief. Perfectly comprehending this bit of pantomime, I took it off and gave it to him. He then threw the fish at my feet. This concluded my first commercial transaction with a dark skin, and each party was well satisfied. It now occurred to me that very possibly this native might afford me some assistance in regard to my roof. Maoris had frequently passed by carrying bundles of long grass, or toe-toe, on their backs, and I wished to ascertain from him where it grew; but so delighted was he with his prize, that he ran off at full speed: in fact, the louder I shouted the faster he ran, until pursuit became useless. In about an hour, however, he returned, bringing with him a basket of potatoes; a mat was thrown over his arm, but otherwise he was completely nude. My good wife was terribly shocked at his primitive and scanty costume, and turned away with signs of the most unmitigated disgust; but it was no use: as she turned he dodged, holding a shilling in his outspread hand, repeating the word hereni with great volubility. We inferred from this that hereni was the native mode of pronouncing shilling; so we tendered him that sum, which appeared to afford our pertinacious costermonger the liveliest satisfaction. I then endeavoured to make him understand that my house required thatching, shewing him a handful of toe-toe. I laid it upon the roof and pointed to a pair of blankets. At once he understood my meaning, – ran off again, and shortly re-appeared, in company with another native, and a woman. The blankets were again exhibited, to their great delight; they threw up their arms and uttered the words "Kapai, kapai, kapai!" – (Good, good, good.) One of the natives then took the toetoe, and bent down, imitating the action of pulling it up; he then took me by the coat as if inviting me to accompany him in search of the material. Accordingly, the four of us started over the hill into a swamp where it was growing profusely. We all set busily to work pulling

up and tying in bundles, until we became somewhat fatigued. My companions then kindled a fire and roasted some potatoes, cordially inviting me to partake – at least I judged so by their signs, This was my first native banquet in New Zealand. Lashing a bundle of toe-toe on my back, and each of my companions doing the same, we retraced our steps towards my house. The supper was cooked and quite ready, and I could do no less than invite them to join us. My wife placed some well-laden plates upon the ground, the contents of which were very soon demolished, with an accompaniment that reminded one of as many hungry porkers. Supper being concluded, they again requested to see the blankets, and so each day till the work was completed, and the blankets in question duly handed over. Upon that day I had donned a fancy regatta shirt of a most florid pattern. One of the natives fixed his eyes on it with the most intense admiration, threw his blanket at my feet, and taking hold of my shirt, gesticulated in a manner so strangely that I felt rather alarmed, thinking it meant no good; but whilst he was thus performing his uncouth pantomime, a white man came up who appeared to be well acquainted with the people, and I requested he would be good enough to explain the matter to me. After talking with the natives, he said the case was simply this: the man preferred the shirt to the blanket, and would gladly return the one to obtain the other. Of course I acceded to this at once, the blanket being worth 18s. and the shirt 1s. 6d. However, he was satisfied. One donned the shirt, the other the blanket, and away they went, dancing and shouting in high glee. From the white man above referred to I ascertained that my costermongering friend s name was Jack, and by the name of Jack he ever afterwards went. In a few days he came again, bringing another supply of fish and potatoes, receiving the usual remuneration. I then engaged my man to clear away and fence about half an acre of garden ground, without regard to freehold right or ground-rent. He went to fetch his former companions, and they went to work with a will. In fact he became my factotum and sole commissariat, and we were never in want of fish or potatoes. He always came at the right time, and never forgot to hold out his hand for the hereni. All this time I had plenty of work on my hands in fitting up the interior of my house, making tables, stools, and other useful articles within the scope of my humble ability; and Jack was a very useful auxiliary. It is true my furniture was of the most primitive kind, but it answered our purpose well. Four posts driven into the ground, and the lid of a case nailed over the top, formed a very serviceable table; logs of wood sawn Into blocks made stools; pieces of calico were substituted for glass; and a bed-rug became a door; whilst sundry cases and boxes made a tolerable bed, bedstead, and sideboard; in fact, com-

pleted the furniture of my establishment: and for some time "all went happy as a marriage bell." At last, unfortunately, the toe-toe, which was put on green, began to shrink; and when the rainy season set in, our dwelling was converted into a shower bath. My wife, who had recently given birth to a son, was subject to great discomfort. Upon one occasion she left her bed in the middle of the night and took refuge under it to avoid the pitiless rain-storm which fell fast and thick upon us. She was one well fitted to bear the vicissitudes of life. Upon this occasion, however, her fortitude gave way to ill-humour, affirming that "she could have made a better house herself." I laughed heartily at the misadventure, saying, "Cheer up, my dear, there's a better time coming." Again our factotum was called into requisition to re-thatch the house, and this time it was made waterproof. The garden enclosure was newly repaired, and the ground properly prepared. I sowed vegetable seeds of every useful sort. They came up in due course, to the great delight of Jack, who used to watch day by day for their appearance above the soil. I shall never forget the astonishment and eagerness with which he pointed out to me the taru Pakeha. My garden was the first that had any pretension to be so called in this part of the world. The first fruits were mustard, cress, and radish. My fellow-passengers, one and all, were astonished at the rapidity with which my house and garden were completed. We were beset with visitors from morning to night, and all were anxious to purchase my vegetables; they would have them in fact at any price. The natives also were so eager to buy my white Spanish onions, that they paid me one shilling each for them as they were growing, each native putting a small stick into the ground by the side of his chosen bulb. Thus far all went well. My man Jack was now regularly installed into office, as majordomo of my establishment. I presented him with various articles of apparel, and he strutted about in frock coat, fancy pantaloons, and Wellingtons, as proud as a peacock of his tail. The blanket was utterly discarded in our presence. In the sanctity of his own whare indeed, and in the society of his tatooed cronies, he would occasionally slip on his old skin, roll upon the ground in all the glory of unrestrained freedom, and discuss the merits and demerits of the Pakeha; but with us "Richard was himself again." Of his boots Jack was inordinately vain. On a Sunday morning he would occasionally spend two hours in getting up an extra bright polish; but, alas! he paid dearly for his vanity; rolling about in them like a ship in a gale of wind, he would kick everything he came into contact with. At last his feet became quite excoriated; pride and pain struggled fiercely for the mastery, but pride won it. Jack persisted in wearing the boots. He would grin, – and he did bear it. After this, who need vaunt of Spartan heroism!

CHAPTER II. [SOME ARE BORN TO HONOUR]

CHAPTER II.

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."

MY first object was now attained. I had provided my family with a home, – -humble enough indeed, but in many respects truly comfortable snugly embosomed in the foliage of the surrounding bush, and well sheltered from the inclemency of the weather, it presented advantages which few of my neighbours could boast, – and I bethought myself of some further employment. Hearing that the surveyors under the New Zealand Company were in want of men to out the lines, I tendered my services, and was duly enrolled under Captain Smith, the Surveyor-General. In company with forty others, I was directed to go to the Company's stores for provisions, where each man received eighty pounds weight. This, with blankets and cooking utensils, made a very formidable kit. Our starting point was Porirua; from thence we commenced cutting and slashing in the direction of the Manawatu river, a distance of about fifty-four miles, which was completed in fourteen days; and here our trouble begun upon the fourth day of our labour on the banks of the Manawatu. Whilst in the act of crossing a branch stream we were impeded by a vast assemblage of hostile natives, who, having previously plundered our tents, now stood prepared for a personal attack. The result was that we were stripped of nearly all our clothing; indeed some poor fellows had nothing left but their shirts. The usual stereotyped reason was assigned by the natives for their unfriendly raid upon us, viz., that they had not been sufficiently paid for the land under the circumstances. I had no alternative but to turn back with some of the natives to the pa at Otaki. I was most kindly treated by the inhabitants, especially by the chief Rauparaha, – the same who afterwards obtained so fearful a celebrity in his resistance to British power. I won his heart completely by my skill in shooting birds upon the wing; and in truth, as a marksman, my aim was unerring. At each discharge, as the birds came whizzing down, he would be lost in amazement and delight, and seemed to commune within himself, like King Ahasuerus of old, – "What shall be done to the man whom the King delighteth to honour?" In the meanwhile, Captain Smith had dispatched an order to Wellington, requesting that the schooner Ocean should be sent to the Manawatu

with clothing for the surveyors' men, and a supply of stores for the natives, so that the surveyors might resume their work without let or hinderance. Accordingly, in about a fortnight, the vessel arrived, and discharged her cargo upon the banks of the river. I had walked from Otaki, and was just in time to witness a rush on the cargo. It was really a most laughable sight; each seized an armful of whatever came to hand first, and started off as if Old Nick was at his heels. In a very short time they made a clean sweep of everything; even the clothing designed for the poor fellows they had robbed before was taken by them. Rauparaha earnestly implored me to turn back with him, assuring me that the surveyors could never proceed, for the same thing would occur again in a few days. Convinced by his arguments, I agreed to return; and it was a most fortunate movement, for things turned out precisely as the wily old chief foretold. Upon arriving at Otaki once more, I proposed returning to Wellington: to this, however, he would not listen: he requested me to remain and teach him to shoot birds flying, presenting me at the same time with a very handsome double-barreled gun. I accordingly remained an honoured guest, and great havoc was made amongst the feathered tribe. In a few days the Ocean arrived at Otaki. Rauparaha and myself, and about fifty natives, launched a canoe and boarded her. Rauparaha's object was to get up a little barter transaction with Captain Fergusson. In this he was successful; Fergusson agreeing to supply him with rum, powder, and muskets, for a cargo of pigs. It was requisite that these pigs should be seen before concluding the bargain, so the Ocean towed us over to Kapiti upon a friendly visit to the porkers. The stock being approved of, the Ocean proceeded to Wellington for the articles in question, and returned in about eight days. The rum, muskets, and powder, were duly landed at Kapiti, and the pigs consigned to the care of Captain Fergusson: and now commenced a bacchanalian festival such as no pen can accurately describe. A puncheon was broached, and the contents distributed without stint. For fourteen days there was not a sober person to be seen. Rauparaha was very anxious that I should drink deep, and evinced great displeasure whenever I appeared to hang back; so, in order to retain my prestige, I found a customer who could drink my share, his own too, and still cry out for more; and my policy succeeded famously. At last, however, when all became sodden and exhausted with rum, the tapu was put upon the cask, and all parties soon regained their usual sobriety: then we became better friends than ever. Once or twice during their furious intoxication I felt a little anxiety for my personal safety, and was quite relieved when the tapu was solemnly put upon the raw material. My stock of clothes being worn out Rauparaha presented me with a new blanket, and a kaitaka mat.

This last is considered a garment of honour, usually worn by chiefs of high rank. Rubbing kokoai, or ochre, over my face, and sticking feathers in my hair, he declared that I should be his Pakeha-Maori for ever. Again we commenced our sharpshooting, but not a bird could he wing. So anxious indeed was he to accomplish the feat, that he promised to sacrifice any amount of pigs whenever the wished-for triumph arrived. Now, having existed on fish for a very long time, I really began to long for a little pork; and, to effect the object, had recourse to a stratagem which might have been attended with serious consequences to both. I proposed loading his gun myself. To this he consented; so half filling the barrels with charges, I presented the weapon to him, pointing at the same time to birds hovering above our heads. The first barrel missed; the second brought down the bird blown to atoms. But the rebound was terrific; his right arm was literally forced behind his back, for the gun flew back like an arrow from a bow. He must have suffered very acutely; but so great was his delight, that there was literally no room for anger in his bosom. A few ejaculations indicative of pain escaped him; but it was followed by a song of triumph so loud and joyful that its echo was heard by every inhabitant of the pa, and all hastened to congratulate the chief on his memorable exploit. In a short time not a man, woman, or child for miles round was unacquainted with the fact. The affair therefore ended much better than I anticipated. It was a most thoughtless act on my part; and even now, at this lapse of time, I actually tremble when I think on what the consequences might have been. His vow, however, was duly registered. The pigs were forthwith sacrificed, and for the space of three days, eating, drinking, and Maori games, were the order of the day. This affair was the winder-up of the first puncheon of rum. The canoe was manned on the following morning, and, at a rapid rate, we bounded over the water on our return to Otaki.

CHAPTER III. A ROW IN THE HOUSE.

CHAPTER III.

A ROW IN THE HOUSE.

AS our canoe touched the strand we were startled by the most unearthly sounds that ever assailed human ears. Ancient patriarchs and young men were shouting and gesticulating with great fury, and wrinkled dowagers were getting up a most unearthly tangi, flinging their withered arms about with every hideous

grimace, whilst festoons of unmentionable filthiness suspended from their noses, waved gracefully in the breeze; nay, the very curs of the pa did their best to swell the unearthly chorus: and the confusion of Babel was nothing to the confusion that reigned in Otaki that day. As soon as order was somewhat restored the evil tidings were communicated to the chief with great volubility. He listened with the most profound attention, interrupted now and then by a short ejaculated ugh! which seemed literally pumped up from the bottom of his chest; but when the tale was told, his orders were prompt and decisive. Five large war canoes, each manned by eighty warriors, were to be ready at the dawn of morrow to start for the Manawatu. It was the old old story told by poets when the world was in its infancy: –

"And like another Helen fired another Troy!"

It appeared that a native of the Ngatikahuhunu tribe, from a pa situated on the borders of the Table Cape, had seized upon a dusky beauty belonging to Rauparaha's people, and had borne her away a willing captive. It was therefore expedient that this modern Paris should be pursued to the very portals of the Maori Troy; and after a long korero, they solemnly resolved either to bring back the levanting damsel or the highly ornamented frontispiece of her amorous swain. I was very unwilling to accompany the party; – my anxious thoughts were far away with my wife and children! This was a threatening affair which might have had a most tragic ending – a quarrel in which I had no earthly interest. But there was no way open for escape. Though treated with the utmost kindness and distinction, I was evidently a prisoner; and, so strict was the espionage kept up by Rauparaha, that turn which way I would some prying eyes were upon me. I therefore resolved to speak with the chief, and, if possible, persuade him to leave me behind. My arguments were most cautiously worded, but he overruled them in a moment. "No," said he, "you have taught me to shoot birds upon the wing; I have made you my Pakeha-Maori, and I will now teach you how we warriors fight." Saying this, he took down a Maori spear, highly ornamented with feathers, and placed it in my hand. This settled the affair at once. The morning dawned, and the canoes were duly manned. At the signal from Rauparaha hundreds of paddles simultaneously struck the water, and away we went with arrowlike swiftness. Arriving at the Manawatu we dashed into the river, and for eighty miles we were borne upon the bosom of that noble stream. Here we stopped, and the canoes were drawn up in front of a pa, amidst, much tangi-ing, and shouts of "Haeremai, Haeremai, Haeremai!" – The usual amount of shaking hands and rubbing noses being over, a long korero, or talk, ensued. Supper was then announced, consisting of freshwater eels, taro, and potatoes in abundance. The

meal being concluded, the korero recommenced; it was a long affair, and as prosy as a member of parliament's speech. So I fell asleep during the conference, and snored away until awakened by my vigilant friend, who kindly requested me to accompany him to an adjacent whare, where a bed awaited me; but I had not lain down many minutes before daylight came peeving in, and cooking recommenced. After breakfast we were all ready for a march eastward, ho! Our direction lay towards the Table Cape, when we traversed a most diversified country, over hills and dales, mountains and valleys, wildly grand and picturesque. My old friend Rauparaha, however, was rarely from my side; he had always "got his eye on the corporal." We had numerous camp followers carrying provisions; and wherever night brought us up there we encamped. The usual feasting was followed by singing and talking – the subject being invariably the devastation they would cause if the woman was not given up. Well, thinks I, this is a nice kettle of fish anyhow; there will be the devil to pay, and who will take the reckoning, however, it was impossible to retreat; so I resolved to make a merit of necessity and abide all chances. Like Mark Tapley again, I never felt jollier in my life. After each morning's repast, the war-cry of the chief would summon every man to his place, and the march would be resumed; and thus we travelled on for five successive days. Upon the afternoon of the fifth day, however, from the summit of a lofty hill we first sighted the pa, perched on the top of a corresponding eminence, about three miles distant. At the first view, a shout of defiance simultaneously burst forth from four hundred fighting men. Songs were sung, and volley after volley was fired into the air. They then impetuously dashed forward in all directions, like an irregular army. I was left far in the rear with the women and camp followers; indeed I saw no particular reason why I should play the first fiddle, and as to laurels, I had no ambition to win them. No, no, thought I, let those who are most interested take the bull by the horns: so walking along very leisurely, in about two hours I arrived at the pa. Now, thinks I, the best thing I can do is to look up my old friend, and stick pretty close to his side. He soon observed his man, and coming towards me whispered, "Have no fear, it is nearly over; we have frightened them so terribly, that they will make no resistance; the woman will be given up to us." He had no sooner spoken these words than a mat suspended on a long pole was hoisted in the pa, and the woman walked quietly towards us. On this Rauparaha sprang high into the air, uttered a loud shout, then all was tranquil. We marched into the pa, and became excellent friends, – shaking hands and rubbing noses occupying at least half-an-hour. Introduced as a Pakeha-Maori, and an honoured friend of the chief, every eye was upon me, eager to press forward

and give the usual salutation. At the conclusion of the ceremony my shoulder felt as though the bone was rent from its socket. By this time evening had set in. I was placed between Rauparaha and three Ngatikahuhunu chiefs, and feasting commenced. A box of tobacco was then brought in, and placed before us. Rauparaha instantly knocked the wood off, and whispered in my ear – "I know you do not smoke; never mind that; take your share; you can then give it to me upon our return." Laughingly, I replied in English – "Sensible to the last, old friend." The tobacco, however, was distributed around, but our shares were by far the largest. Eating again became the order of the day. They fell to with right, good will, smacking their lips and sucking their fingers, whilst the unctuous matter oozed plentifully down each tatooed cheek; it was truly a disgusting sight, and the accompaniment was quite as bad. The next thing was the eternal korero. Good heavens! what a din they kept up. Sometimes they appeared pleased – in another moment waxed quite furious; but, being imperfectly acquainted with the language, it was above my comprehension: indeed, they shouted so loudly and went at such a fearful pace, that few interpreters could follow them. Getting tired of all this, I strolled round the pa, which was one of considerable size; but soon retired to repose, and slept long and soundly until I was awakened by Rauparaha, who said laughingly as he shook me by the arm, – "How we did frighten them; we shall have lots of kai-kai; and take back the woman with us to-morrow." In the morning I strolled down to the beach accompanied by one of the Ngatikahuhunu natives. He had been told of my skill as a marksman; indeed, the old chief had uttered my praises in every ear: so he requested that I would exhibit my skill once more. I quickly brought down my bird, at which he was so much amazed that when I returned to the pa it became the grand talk of the community. At last I told one of the natives to give me a potato; it was thrown into the air, and I blew it to pieces. They kept me going for hours; in fact it ended the day's sport, which was wound up by the usual feast. They presented me with a very choice thrum mat, and I promised that I would teach any of them to shoot birds upon the wing should they ever travel our way.

On the morrow Rauparaha uttered his war-cry. At the sound all his warriors were in marching order. He had a most fatherly eye, however, upon the woman and myself, and would never lose sight of us. The order was given to march, and we retraced our steps amidst the cries of "E noho – Haere ra," which sounded in our ears until lost in the distance. In four days we arrived at the pa on the Manawatu, spent two days there; and, parting with the usual formalities, embarked once more in our canoes, which were propelled at about the rate of ten miles an hour, At different in-

tervals they would cense puddling and have a smoke – then at it again they would go. Upon arriving at the mouth of the river there was a considerable surf to encounter, but dashing and yelling through we bounded over the waves without shipping a sea, and in a few hours were once more landed at Otaki. Of course there was a great to do on the occasion, and every soul was anxious to hear the detail of our adventures, but as the woman returned with us, they at once understood that we had gained a great victory: so, exhibiting the various presents, and singing triumphant waiata, the day closed.

I now began to be thoroughly wretched; – my thoughts were far away with my wife and little ones! I could picture to myself the anxious watching for my return, and tears would not unfrequently dim my eyes. I determined, therefore, even at the risk of life or death, to escape from the thraldom of my old friend Rauparaha. Another very powerful motive urged me on. From earliest infancy cleanliness and good order had been instilled into me by a most excellent and thrifty mother, until habit had become almost necessary to my existence; – and to what degradation had I now fallen! Solemnly constituted a Pakeha-Maori, bedaubed with dirt and feathers, and actually swarming with vermin – "To what strange uses may we come!" My readers of the present day may feel somewhat surprised that a white man should be thus kept an unwilling prisoner. They must remember, however, that the position of Pakeha and Maori was totally different then. They were the dominant race, and we held our possessions upon Maori sufferance. Therefore, in all our dealings with them the utmost caution was necessary; and the chief above referred to was a most crafty and unscrupulous foe. When once his evil passions were roused he would spare none; indeed, the subsequent career of this man, as historically recorded, will bear me out in my assertion. Accordingly, I resolved to withdraw very early to bed and cogitate upon the matter. I did so, and finally decided on a plan, intending to carry it out in a few days. So, on the following morning I commenced cleaning and brightening up my gun, neatly arranged the various gilts with which I had been presented, and made the sleeping apartment quite neat and tidy. I did so because he was pleased to see me thus employed: it impressed him with an idea that I was quite content with my lot. This done, I determined to get rid of my crawling friends; so hastening to the river I gave myself a thorough washing from head to foot, using a soft unctuous clay which the natives substitute for soap. Having no small-tooth comb, I got a native to hunt the cover for stray game, and once more felt quite clean and comfortable. At night I opened the matter to him, saying that tidings had been brought me by surveyors' men to the effect that a vessel was hourly expected

from England bringing some goods for me. and that it would be requisite; for me to go to Wellington and receive them. "Taihoa," (wait), said he, "you and I will go together." Now, this I knew was merely a put-off, being well aware that he had previously decided upon taking a long journey in a very opposite direction. My hopes in a moment fell below zero, and 1 began to despair of success. Still I assumed a cheerful appearance, although my heart was desperately sad. At length, during the night, I was overheard by some of the people moaning in my sleep. They asked me was I in trouble. I replied yes – the vessel would arrive and all my goods would be lost. Upon this, two of my Maori friends had a conference with the chief, proposing to go with me and bring back some of the goods, as I had promised to make them some valuable presents on my return. This moved him a little; he pondered awhile, and finally consented. I then gave orders that nothing of mine should be molested. My wardrobe was scanty enough; still I left many things behind purposely to allay suspicion; in fact, so well did I assume my part that I am convinced he never for one moment suspected my real intention, in two days, to my inexpressible joy, we started, travelling on until we arrived at a pa on the extremity of the beach at the crossing point to Porirua. We halted for one night, and one of my companions falling lame, was induced to remain there until my return. On the morrow the two of us made our way across the neck to Porirua, arriving at Geordie Bolt's whaling station. There we remained another night, and I acquainted him with a detail of my adventures. Bolt's wife was a native woman; and by a little politic management my companion was induced to remain until my return: but I promised to come back well laden with calico and blankets: so, leaving the insignia of my Pakeha-Maori-ship in the care of Bolt's wife, and borrowing a jacket and pair of trowsers, I prepared for a final start in the morning. I accordingly was put across the river on the Wellington side, and traversing a Maori path for about fifteen miles reached Kaiwarawara. There I levied contribution on a publican for a billy-cock-hat, and in this melo-dramatic attire a long walk along the beach brought me once more home.

CHAPTER IV. 'HOME, SWEET HOME.'

CHAPTER IV.

"HOME, SWEET HOME."

WHAT magic, is there in that word home! – endeared a thousand-fold by rude buffeting with fortune. Ulysses, returning from the Trojan war, experienced not purer delight than I did at that mo-

ment; and, like myself, he returned in a very dilapidated condition. Homer tells us that, of all his household, a faithful dog alone knew his master; he looked up in his face, fawned upon him, licked his hand, and died. My old Pincher, however, was a quadruped blessed with an excellent constitution and a very keen nose for grub. He was by no means a sensitive or intellectual animal, therefore I was quite easy on that score. To cut the matter short, however, I entered the door; my wife gave a little scream of surprise; she scanned me from top to toe in mournful silence; even old Pincher, looking up from a well polished bone, actually wagged his tail; and my better-half finally gasped out – "Oh dear me! dear me! where did you spring from – what in the name of fortune has kept you away so long?" "My dear," said I, "I have been made a Pakeha-Maori, crowned with feathers, and touched up with a bit of the best brown; a royal mantle has been thrown over me, and a sceptre has been placed in my hand; for your sake, however, I have escaped from honourable captivity, discarded my regal vestments, borrowed this holiday attire from sundry good Samaritans, and have now the inexpressible delight of seeing my beloved family once more – and what is better, all well. At this moment Jack came in; he threw up his arms in astonishment, uttered some emphatic ejaculation, and distending his capacious mouth from ear to ear, called out loudly – "E Hani, tena koe." After a long talk with my wife, and a few minutes devoted to my little ones, Jack produced his account; he had been at his post when required, and had supplied my wife with fish and potatoes with the utmost punctuality; in fact, he had conducted himself as a faithful steward in every respect, My wife having kept a running account with him, he soon produced his ledger, in the shape of a long straight stick, on which he had cut notches – on the one side for fish, on the other side for potatoes, I told him jestingly that I was a poor fellow without money or credit. At this he shook his head incredulously, telling me that the Pakeha were never without plenty of money. However, I eventually promised to pay at night, and he stuck very close to us until I handed him over the possibles; upon receipt of which he balanced his account in a most business-like manner, by cutting his stick. I remained at home for some time until things in Wellington assumed a very unpromising aspect: almost all the current coin was in the hands of the natives, who hoarded it up with unusual care. To remedy this inconvenience, the Government issued a paper currency, or debentures; and even private individuals resorted to a similar mode of exchange. On the other hand, parties who had secured allotments from the Company at home had frequently great difficulty in realising the purchase; in many cases, indeed, the allotments in question had never been surveyed, and the pur-

chaser either threw them up in disgust or resold them at a ruinous sacrifice. Thus a combination of circumstances made everything very dear and everybody very poor. Many who had been born in the lap of luxury now had a difficulty in procuring food for the day. Employment was out of the question; I therefore resolved to avail myself of an opportunity which about this time offered to visit the Chatham Islands.

CHAPTER V. A VOYAGE TO THE CHATHAMS.

CHAPTER V.

A VOYAGE TO THE CHATHAMS.

THE Chatham Islands constitute a group of three islands, situated nearly four hundred miles from Cape Palliser, in a direction S. E. by E., and in latitude 44 deg. S. Wharekauri, or the Chatham Island, is about 150 miles in circumference; Rangi-aotea, or Pitt's Island, 30 miles; and Rangatira, or the South-east Island, 5 miles. These islands all lie contiguous to each other; and at the time to which I refer, the Chatham Islands were totally different to the Chatham Islands of the present day – it was almost terra incognita; but the reports which had reached New Zealand from time to time were such that the place was decidedly in bad odour: it was the resort of various companies of bay whalers, composed of every grade of character – shipwrecked sailors and deserters, escaped convicts from Sydney and Hobartown, and low and dexterous prigs, redolent with slang, and glorying in reminiscences of White Chapel or Radcliff Highway. Amongst them villainy was considered virtue, and honesty a great weakness; the boldest ruffian carried things with a high hand, and from his decision there was no appeal. Nor were the Maori inhabitants in much better repute. They were spoken of as a fierce and intractable race of man-eaters, who literally gorged themselves with human blood: nay, so terrible were the tales of their cannibalism, that at the recital the listeners would involuntarily shudder, and little children draw near the fire, and hold their breaths in indescribable terror: therefore, as I have said before, the Chatham Islands were in very bad repute. On the other hand, we were told of a rich and fertile country, – a land flowing with milk and honey; of a dark rich soil that yielded a hundred fold, and munificently paid man for his labour; of scenery quite domestic and pleasant to the eye; and of seas, lakes, and rivers teeming with fish and fowl! Weighing these accounts together, and striking a balance in favor of the Islands, I determined on a voyage thither, and so engaged a passage in the brig Caroline.

This vessel was chartered by Mr. Hanson of Wellington, proprietor of a whaling station at Okawa, the north-east point of the Chatham Islands. The cargo consisted of whalemen's stores, and was consigned to a person of the name of M'Latchie, the managing man at Okawa; and, through the kindness of the captain, I was permitted to take a few articles of merchandise for sale or otherwise. Accordingly, about the close of October 1840, we sailed from Port Nicholson, and, at the expiration of four days dropped anchor at Okawa. We were immediately boarded by a party of whalers, and a Maori with the euphonious name of Te Koia Totara. They informed us that M'Latchie had gone in his boat to Oenga on the previous day, but was expected to return on the following morning. They were then invited to take refreshment. Te Koia Totara, (i. e., 'Squire Totara), however, refused to join until he had got rid of a tapu which had been put upon him. To effect the desired object he went upon deck, fired off a pistol above his head, declared the tapu off, and fell to eating and drinking with great gusto.

I will here relate the cause of M'Latchie's absence, inasmuch as it will enlighten my readers as to the actual state of affairs. A headsman named Burnett, and belonging to the Okawa party, cohabited with a white woman, and both resided in a hut at a little distance from the station. A man of the Oenga party, named Harry Rolls, cast a longing eye on the gay damsel; and she, nothing loath to be "off with the old love and on with the new," consented to be stolen from her cavaliere servente. The secret interviews and soft interchanges could not long be concealed from the prying eyes of the wrathful Burnett, and by some means it leaked out that Rolls had planned the abduction of his faithless inamorata; so he loaded his musket, with ball, and kept it constantly in view, swearing destruction to the incendiary. The modern Delilah, however, to prevent bloodshed, poured water into the pan of the gun, and thus rendered the weapon quite harmless. One night, however, Rolls with other accomplices forced an entrance into Burnett's hut; he sprang from the bed, seized the weapon, and pulled the trigger; but, alas! it gave forth no answering sound. They then bound him securely to the post, whilst the lady levanted with Master Rolls a willing captive. Upon being made acquainted with this outrage, M'Latchie in great fury ordered the boat to be manned by the most trusty and daring hands, and sailed away for Oenga, a distance of about twenty-five miles. He accused the manager of the party of complicity in the affair, and swore he would bring him back in irons, and hold him prisoner until the woman was restored to Burnett; and this accounted for the absence of our consignee. He boarded us, however, at sunrise the following day, saying he had just returned from Oenga, and had brought back a man in irons; that, one of his men had

been robbed of a woman, and that the man in question having furnished a boat for the purpose, he was resolved to keep him in irons until the woman was restored to her former protector. After breakfast we went ashore, and there stood the man Burnett, pistol in hand, keeping guard over the prisoner. He asked our advice, with a thousand protestations of innocence; he declared the boat was taken without his leave or knowledge, and asked what right M'Latchie had to put him in irons. We said we would enquire into the matter. He followed us up to the house, and again repeated his former assertion in the presence of M'Latchie. The captain and I then beckoned M'Latchie aside, and intimated that it would be far the wiser plan to release the man, for whether his tale was false or true, he (M'Latchie) had no right to exercise Lynch law in the Chatham Islands. The woman in question was not Burnett's wife, therefore he had no legal claim to her; and moreover, she was a consenting party in the affair. Whether our arguments had weight or not I cannot say; but certain it is the prisoner obtained his release. The Caroline very soon got her cargo of pigs and potatoes, and my own merchandise I disposed of in barter for pigs and Maori mats: we therefore once more weighed anchor, and after a passage of twelve days, encountering head winds nearly all the way, re-entered the harbour of Port Nicholson. During the time our vessel was taking in cargo, I had an opportunity of exploring some part of the country; but, in consequence of a war then raging between the two tribes, my bounds were very circumscribed. Nevertheless, my observations were most satisfactory. I saw quite enough to assure me that it would eventually become a fine agricultural district; and as the New Zealand Company had ostensibly purchased the soil, I concluded that it would soon become a valuable white settlement under the auspices of Government. Therefore I at once decided upon bringing down my wife and family, and settling in some desirable locality. During my visit I had become well acquainted with some of the principal chiefs, and four of them accompanied me to New Zealand on a visit to their relatives, because I had promised to return with them and reside on the island. Having turned my pigs and mats to profitable account, I remained a few months in New Zealand, and finally secured a passage for myself and family on board the Perseverance hound to the Chatham Islands. I purchased vegetable seeds of every useful kind, grain, and fruit trees, and plenty of household stores and clothing. I was thus pretty well fortified against an emergency; and, embarking once more with all my household gods around me, in a few days was safely landed at Okawa. After a temporary sojourn there, we all embarked in a whaleboat for Oenga. I had effected a purchase of land there, cleared away and fenced my property, near which I

erected a dwelling, but which I was destined never to occupy; and an unforeseen event compelled me once more to turn my wandering steps in another direction.

Some of my readers perhaps are unacquainted with the nature of a native taua. For their information, I will briefly say that upon an infringement of certain Maori laws the offending party is visited by those whom he or they have injured, and his goods and property are all taken or destroyed; but, where the offending parties are numerous, the inhabitants of a pa or settlement, without regard to complexion or colour, share the same fate; and thus it befel unfortunate me at a taua made by the Waitangi natives on the Oenga settlement; they chopped up my fences and destroyed all that I had done upon the land. Now, during my sojourn amongst the Otaki natives I had learned the mode of propitiating a Maori taua; so, rushing immediately to my dwelling, I was just in time to throw a few handfuls of tobacco out at the door; by so doing, the whole of my property was providentially preserved, Goods taken at a taua are considered quite a lawful prize This gave me a complete sickener of Oenga; so, disposing of my dwelling to a whaleman for five pounds, I engaged five whaleboats at great cost, to convey myself, family, and goods to the north-east point. There I arranged with Rangihopikia and Teraki, two influential chiefs, to occupy a small flat island at the extremity of the point, embracing an area of fifty acres. Upon this land I soon erected another dwelling and various outhouses, and with the aid of native labour cleared away and cultivated about half the island. Alas! the morning of my life seemed destined to be overcast; and, but for the Anglo-Saxon pluck handed down by my forefathers, I might have sunk into a mere groveller. About this time there was looming over my innocent and devoted head a conspiracy as foul and malignant as ever entered the sinful heart of man. It recoiled, however, upon the head of the plotter, and laid the foundation of my future prosperity, Truly the ways of God are past finding out; and he from whose lips words fell like milk and honey, but whose heart was filled with gall and bitterness, who would fawn, smile, and smite a friend under the fifth rib, where is he? He went down to death in darkness and despair, and to a more merciful Judge we leave him.

To resume my narrative, however. One morning a woman belonging to Te Koia Totara came to ask me for some rongoa mate (poison). She said she wanted to poison a dog. I told her I had nothing of the sort in my possession. I mention this circumstance because it bears upon the subject I am about to relate. M'Latchie had been for some time engaged in killing and salting a cargo of pork, and he had long looked with an envious eye upon the number of tapued pigs, famous fat fellows. But the Maoris would not

sell them. A tapued pig is one that has been reared by the women about the whare, petted by them, and in some cases suckled at their breasts. These animals are sometimes tapued for many years, and attain great size and condition. Now, thinking he could purchase them for little or nothing when dead, he prompted his men to kill from twenty to twenty-five in the following manner: – Whilst the poor unsuspecting porkers were quietly reposing upon their beds at night the incendiaries did the work; they first stunned them with a smart blow from a club, and then with sticks they thrust large pellets of flax far down their throats. In the morning the Maoris were horrified at the sight of their dead pets, and great was the confusion in the pa. Some suggested one thing, and some another; but M'Latchie, in a most confidential manner, said, in his opinion, I had poisoned them. In the meanwhile the carcases were secured upon his own terms. M'Latchie's suggestion, however, acted like a spark of fire to a barrel of gunpowder. They gathered together in a mob of from two to three hundred, scores of them completely naked; and yelling, shouting, and leaping like men possessed with a legion of devils, they burst upon us at dawn of day. They threw my property about in all directions, and for one week had complete charge of us. At last the ebullition began to subside, and they quietly listened to me. Then a friendly chief named Turaki went into the house, and cut down one of the window curtains, thus placing a tapu upon my family, that no injury might be done until they could arrive at the truth. About a fortnight after, through God's mercy, the guilty parties were caught in the very act. They had furnished themselves with large strong hooks, upon the points of each of which they stuck a potato. Of course the pig would catch very greedily at the bait. He was then quickly and sharply hauled up in such a way that the poor brute was prevented from crying out, and a man standing by with a club knocked it down. During this performance the natives surprised them, with two pigs lying dead at their feet. They at once pounced upon them, stripped them of all their clothing, and two of them they retained as prisoners. They then proceeded to the whaling-station, and had a general search. Upon questioning the Maori women belonging to the white men, they, not daring to conceal the truth, pointed to a square hole in the floor. In this hole, sunk deep in the ground, they discovered a cask containing about six hundred weight of pork. A simultaneous rush was then made upon every white man on the station, and they took from them everything they could lay hands upon. After this the women made a clean breast of it. They declared that all the villany had been carried on at the instigation of M'Latchie: he it was who sent the woman to me for poison, that some collateral proof might be obtained to support his most wicked and cruel as

sertion. When the Maoris first imparted this pleasant news, I thought of the old proverb – "The pitcher that goes often to the well comes home broken at last." In this case honesty would have been the best policy. The pork thus obtained became mixed with the general lot; but it would not receive the salt. Upon arrival in Wellington it fermented, the casks burst, and the entire cargo was lost. The events here related again unsettled us. My poor wife was so horrified at the filthy and obscene exhibition of Maori excitement, and anxious above all things to avoid contact with neighbours more dangerous still, that she implored me to quit the locality. "By and by," said she, "the conduct of those disreputable men will bring down the full weight of Maori vengeance upon every white settler; the innocent will fall with the guilty." I confess her arguments had some weight; indeed, I was quite predisposed to respond to her wishes. This time my attention was directed to Pitt's Island.

CHAPTER VI. ANOTHER EXODUS.

CHAPTER VI.

ANOTHER EXODUS.

FOR the information of my readers I will make a short digression from my narrative, and enlighten them a little regarding Pitt's Island and its inhabitants.

The group of islands denominated the Chatham Islands was originally peopled by a race somewhat akin to the Maoris in manners, customs, and language, but totally devoid of their energy, intelligence, and ferocity; according to oral tradition they came from some far off country. They were out fishing when a storm overtook them, and driving away to sea they finally landed upon these shores. Whether this be true or false I know not; it is a tradition, however, in which they firmly believe; indeed, they bear a most striking resemblance to the natives of Stewart's Island, and there may be some truth in the tradition.

About thirty years since the present Maori inhabitants emanated from the Taranaki district, from whence they were compelled to flee before their powerful and hostile foes the Waikatos. They seized upon a vessel in the harbour of Port Nicholson, and by dint of threats, promises, and persuasion, prevailed upon the captain to put to sea and land them at Wharekauri. The aborigines, who

were then very numerous, but a most gentle and inoffensive race, offered no resistance; and almost the whole of them were killed and devoured in detail by their merciless assailants, a remnant only being spared to become the slaves of their cruel task-masters. Thus it was that the Maoris constituted themselves masters of the soil. The aborigines term themselves Moriori, their conquerors still call them paraiwharas, or blackfellows – not from their complexion, they having no darker tinge than a Maori. – but, in their ideas, the term is synonymous with slavery. Rangi-aotea, or Pitt's Island, lies about twelve miles south-east of the main island; it is a long and in some places narrow island, and somewhere about thirty miles in circumference; it is covered with bush, scrub, and open grassy plains. The sole occupants were a few of the aborigines who had for their personal security retired into the deepest recesses of the bush. The Maoris themselves never occupied the island. It was, however, visited by them from time to time, either for the purpose of taking sea birds or to hunt down some unfortunate victim for their cannibal banquet. But at the time of my arrival that custom had happily fallen into disuse. A gleam of civilization was finding its way into their dusky souls; they began to feel ashamed of their early habits, and where there is shame there is also promise of amendment. Indeed they studiously avoid alluding to the past, and a white man who has bad taste enough to do so would incur their serious displeasure.

To resume the thread of my narrative. My mind was fully made up to remove to Pitt's Island; so at the close of the whaling season, the boats being then at liberty, I engaged one, together with a crew, and proceeded thither, leaving my wife to gather together the various seeds. I spent about eight days in exploring the island, and finally fixed upon a spot on the north-west side, called by the natives Onoua; more recently known as Flowerpot, from an isolated rock of that peculiar shape which rises up from the sea at some little distance from the shore. I then returned in the boat, spent one week with my family, and back again to the island, taking with me all my seeds, tools, and working implements. This was the commencement of October, the planting season was far advanced; I had no time to lose. Fortunately, however, there was a small patch of ground on an ascent from the beach which one of the natives had cleared away for a pumpkin garden. Upon negotiating with him for the purchase, he pointed to my jacket, which I immediately pulled off, and handed to him; thereupon the property became mine. That little spot of cleared ground proved a perfect godsend. Before the night closed I had sown turnips, onions, radish, and many other useful vegetable seeds. I then commenced clearing away for potatoes and barley, being too late for wheat. That being completed, I began to clear

away a second patch, which it was necessary to finish by the time the boat arrived for me as arranged. Accordingly I cut and slashed away from dawn of day till midnight, "working by the light of the bonnie full moon." Before my task was over down came the boat laden with goods. Returning in the boat, I resolved to spend the Christmas in the bosom of my family. They were all cheerful, and well we enjoyed our little festivity; and ere it was over a whale ship coming in purchased supplies from me to the value of forty pounds. This was a very providential mercy; it enabled me to supply my family with many necessary comforts of which they were greatly in need. "And now, my dear," said I to my wife, "I am about to take you to a new home, a famous place." All this time she was under the impression that there really was a home ready to receive her. Now the exigencies of the times were such that every moment had been occupied in getting in my crops for the ensuing season; but I did not undeceive her. Accordingly, on the second of January we embarked with all our goods and chattels in three whaleboats, and a glorious breeze carried us swiftly to Pitt's Island. Upon landing I told her she should very soon be inducted into our new dwelling; so she followed me up an ascent from the beach, and there I pointed out to her the home that had so long sheltered me – a quantity of bushes arranged under a large and wide-spreading karaka tree. "What!" said she with a melancholy expression of countenance, "is this the home you were to bring me to?" "Why, my dear," said I "is not this a magnificent abode? Look at all my cooking utensils! see the quantity of ashes on the hearth! behold my wardrobe hanging on the trees!" However, she was so much prostrated by sea sickness that my facetious jokes fell quite harmless. Then I made some kaua-kaua tea, and that, with molasses and biscuit, refreshed us exceedingly. "And now," said my good wife, "where are we to sleep?" "Why," replied I, "that side of the fire has been my sleeping apartment for some months." "What," replied she, "in the open air?" "And what can be more glorious than heaven's dew falling upon you, and a good protector by your side," was my response. True enough the dew did fall, and about midnight the very windows of heaven seemed to open; peal after peal reverberated over our heads, and rolled growling away in the distance, whilst bright flashes at intervals lit up the desolate scene around us. My poor wife was in a terrible rage, and her reproaches were loud and vehement. "Is it possible," said she, "that you have brought us eighteen thousand miles to parish in a wilderness?" Fortunately, we had two umbrellas; so, holding open one in each of our hands, taking the dear children upon our knees, and drawing the bedclothes tightly around us, we crouched down awaiting the worst. "Oh dear, oh dear!" again soliloquized my wife, "if

I had been here I would have had a house of some sort." "Don't grumble, my dear," said I, "the sun will shine again; I will repay you with a fine house in twenty-four hours." Fortunately in about two hours the rain ceased, and the morning dawned most brightly. I then commenced building a little hut, which was completed in two days, and things once more began to assume an appearance of comfort. I thought it would answer well until the planting season was over, resolving then to build a good substantial dwelling. Our stock of potatoes was almost exhausted, but a settler on the south-east side of the island having some, we were enabled to procure from him; and each week I had to walk twelve miles, and return with a basket of potatoes. We were therefore obliged to put ourselves on a certain allowance. Of other vegetables we had plenty, and of pork there was no stint. But we had neither flour nor biscuit. At length, when my crops were quite ready, we perceived a vessel in the distance. I kindled a fire and hoisted a flag, when a boat's crew landed. This vessel proved to be the London Packet of New Bedford, Captain Robinson. They were very much surprised to find a white family residing on a spot so wild and solitary. The captain purchased some necessary stores, and it enabled me to provide my household with many little comforts, amongst other things a bag of biscuit and a barrel of flour. This put my wife into exceedingly good humour; it was a great boon to us; still we had to he very economical, and we punished the flour barrel but once a week. It lasted a long time, however, and we often used laughingly to say that it was like the widow's cruise. Since that period I have had extensive dealings with the masters of American whaling vessels; and with many estimable characters I have formed friendships which time can neither weaken nor impair: but the personal kindness of Captain Robinson, in an hour of extreme difficulty, created a very permanent impression; in fact, whenever I have been fortunate enough to render his countrymen a service it has been placed to an account for kindness received. After the departure of the vessel I began building upon the site of the ever-memorable karaka tree. In four months, with the assistance of a boy, I had completed a most comfortable dwelling with three good rooms, perfectly watertight; but the labour was excessive, and my ingenuity was put to the test in a thousand ways; my nails were all cut from iron hooping. It has been truly said, "necessity is the mother of invention." After the dwelling-house then came the outbuildings. However, all was finished in go. ui time. My attention was then turned to clearing away more bush. It then occurred to me that perhaps the Morioris might be induced to assist, and it would be mutually advantageous; but they were almost as shy of the white man as they had formerly been of the Maori. The feeling was

created by a most cold-blooded murder which had been perpetrated a few months previously. It is a mournful tale – one I have often related to my little ones by our evening fireside until their hearts would grow very sad and their eyes fill to overflowing. In the sequestered glades of Onoua dwelt poor Meinui and his wife, as contented and happy in their little hut as our first parents in the garden of Eden. She had been a Moriori belle, sighed for by many a dusky swain; for her they would scale the topmost branches of the karaka, and pluck the largest and brightest berries; for her they would range the outskirts of the bush and bring back the dark flowing tutu; and at her feet would be laid the treasures of the deep, the finest pawa. or the fattest tarakia; but all their blandishments were of no avail. Meinui was the man; like imperial Caesar, "he came, saw, and conquered." So she became his bride; and, in a little hut, under the branches of a tree which now records the tragedy, they "lived and loved together," until an infant boy smiled upon a happy union; but in an evil hour the destroyer came. One of the white ruffians which infested the island, a deserter from an American whale-ship, who had joined the Oenga Bay whalers, looking upon this woman with unhallowed feelings, determined to possess himself of her even at the price of blood. So one evening he came to the settlement well armed with musket and cutlass, and hunted about for his prey with all the pertinacity of a bloodhound: standing at last upon an elevated position, from whence he could look down upon a vast expanse of bush, the man of blood awaited. At length, just as the glowing sun was going down below the sea, he perceived a little wreath of smoke curling up from the foliage, marking the spot: the earliest dawn brought him near the hut; so crouching down behind a tree, like some unclean beast of prey, he awaited the approach of Meinui, intending to slay him and take the woman. A little fire was smouldering in front of the hut. At length a figure, enveloped in a shaggy flax mat usually worn by Morioris, was seen to emerge from the doorway, and crouch before the fire. This was the time; the click of a lock was followed by a sharp report, and without sigh, groan, or struggle two human souls passed from life to death – a mother and her infant child. And there they lay upon the embers of a fire that would never again impart warmth or vitality to them. The poor woman had put on her husband's mat, and with her infant before her was stooping down in the act of rekindling the fire; her back being towards the murderer, she had been mistaken for Meinui, and the ball entering her back, passed through both at the same instant. And he, the baffled ruffian, who for this had added perchance another murder to damn his surcharged soul, did he remain to exult over the deed? I will tell you. He was immediately beset by five or six Morioris, who endeavoured to

secure him; but, drawing his cutlass, he almost severed the arm of one of his assailants, and they soon fled away in terror. Poor Meinui laid his murdered wife and child in a hollow and gloomy cavern; indeed, within a very few years, the sad remains of mortality wore quite perfect – a woman's skeleton with a child in its bony embrace. For some time the bereaved husband wandered around his desolate home like a troubled spirit. At last he carved rude figures of his wife and child upon the bark of a karaka tree, which sheltered the spot, and finally left the island for the main, where he died very soon after. The figures carved by Meinui having grown with the growth of the tree, now stand out in bold relief, and I confess I can never view it without a melancholy interest. The event I have recorded occurred a few months previous to my arrival, but the murderer was still skulking about the island or its vicinity. Ultimately, however, a party of Maoris landed for their annual sea-bird sport conjointly with the Morioris. I brought the matter before them, urging them to capture the man if possible, and send him to New Zealand to be legally tried and punished for his atrocious crime. They instantly declared they would, and scoured the hush in every direction without success; indeed I have since learnt that, being apprized of their design, he concealed himself in the high branches of a dense karaka tree, and was there supplied with food by some of his sympathising friends. Shortly afterwards, however, he made his escape in an American whaler, and thankful enough was I to learn that the island was no longer cursed with such a monster. The musket and cutlass with which the deed was perpetrated were given up to the Morioris. They finally came into my possession, and still adorn one of my rooms. But the circumstance, painfully fresh in the Moriori breast, had inspired them with something like disgust. They were suspicious of white men, and I had some difficulty in gaining their confidence. Through kindness and fair dealing, however, I eventually succeeded, and they were prevailed upon to build little huts near my residence. I then furnished them with clothes and tobacco, and putting a pipe in each man's hand they went to work cheerfully. Of course it required patience and forbearance to wean them from the slothful habits of their race; but, upon the whole, they became very useful. These children of nature had certainly seen white men possessing a box perhaps, but no more; and they were utterly astonished at seeing so many packages and cases in my dwelling, affirming in one breath that I must be a rangatira nui (very great man). My name Frederick they Moriorized into Pererika, and by that, name they ever afterwards addressed me. Each successive year our circumstances grew more prosperous; we neither wasted nor wanted: but I was never slothful, nor did I ever consider a day ended until its particular duties were completed.

CHAPTER VII. THE ABORIGINES.

CHAPTER VII.

THE ABORIGINES.

IN my last chapter I gave a brief description of the aboriginal natives; but as it may not be uninteresting to my readers, I will furnish them with some further information regarding the singular race amongst whom I have cast my lot. They are people of middle stature, with almond-shaped eyes and hooked noses; indeed they bear a most remarkable resemblance to the Jewish race. The only garment worn by them in early times was made from the leaves of the flax, split into three or four slips, and interwoven into each other like a kind of stuff between netting and cloth, with all the ends, which were eight or nine inches long, hanging down on the outer side. It was suspended from their shoulders like a cloak, tied round the neck, and extended a little below the knee. In addition to this the females girded their loins with a band of plaited flax. They were a wild, solitary, and timid race; the sight of a white man would alarm a host, and send them scampering off into the bush in all directions. Of course I speak of them as they were in their normal state. The arrival of a vessel was the signal for their dispersion; but ultimately they became a little bolder, and would venture down with fear and trembling to barter their kekune or seal-skins for such articles as might attract their fancy. But during these transactions their women never ventured to approach; they would squat huddled together upon some far-off eminence, and peer down upon their mysterious visitors with awe and astonishment. But the baubles and novelties so eagerly sought after by most of the uncivilized races had little attraction for them; their rude fish-hooks made of bone, or the axe and adze fashioned from stone, were far more prized than the finest Sheffield hardware, and the Moriori woman's comb, made from the backbone of a fish, was just as valuable in her eyes as the finest tortoiseshell. They had no idea of cultivating the soil, their principal food being fish, birds, fern root, and nikau or cabbage tree. Their huts were merely long fern stalks placed obliquely against a rock or lean-to; but they had no fixed residence, wandering about from place to place, just as their fancy or requirements prompted; they encamped wherever night overtook them. They paid no homage to a Deity; indeed they had no idea of a beneficent Supreme Being: but isolated of lofty rocks which afforded them a bountiful supply of sea-birds they invariably mentioned with re-

spect, naming them atua pai, or good gods. But the everlasting kiko-kiko was a terrible bugbear to old and young; not a person amongst them but had a tale to relate of mysterious visitations, more wild and wonderful than the Cock-lane ghost. They had a firm belief (indeed they still hold the same faith) that after death the spirit of the departed had power to return to earth and haunt the living; and that a person visited by the kiko-kiko, and touched on the head, would die very soon after such visitation. To prevent the dead from troubling them they had a very curious custom. As soon as breath had left the body they would all assemble at midnight in some solitary secluded spot, and proceed to kill the kiko-kiko. First, kindling a large fire, they would sit round in a circle, each person holding a long rod in his hand; to the end of each rod a tuft of spear grass was tied; they would then sway their bodies to and fro, waving the rods over the fire in every direction, jabbering away strange and unintelligible incantations. I had endeavoured to wean them from this foolery, but without success; they would persist in the custom, so I determined, upon the first opportunity, to give them a fright. Soon after a person died, and I was informed that a party were to meet that night in a certain place to kill the kiko-kiko. At the appointed hour I arrayed myself in a white sheet and night cap, whitened my face, and made myself appear as unearthly as possible. Going stealthily to the place, in the midst of the interesting ceremony I walked, quietly towards them. With one yell and one bound they cleared the course, and away they fled to their huts as if a legion of devils were at their heels. In the morning their miserable wobegone faces plainly indicated a sleepless night, and the horrid kiko-kiko was the talk night and day for many months. My experiment, however, succeeded admirably; I do not think the performance was ever again repeated; but long after, when they had become more humanised and enlightened, they were told who kiko-kiko really was. Upon this they looked very serious, shook their heads, and said it was very bad to play with the kiko-kiko. It was by no means an unusual thing for a person to affirm that he or she had been visited by the kiko-kiko; in which case, at the slightest approach of sickness, they would resign themselves to death, and that would be the invariable result. This may be accounted for simply by a dream and the effect of an excited imagination upon a weak untutored mind. Their modes of burial were various. While living, they almost invariably selected their own spot for interment; sometimes on a high hill commanding a view of the sea, some Atua rock, or the vicinity of their food-yielding nikau: others were lashed to young trees, and some were bound in a canoe and sent to sea. The most common mode, however, was this: when a person conceived the approach of death to be near, he would select

a long piece of the heart of hake-hake, about the thickness of a man's wrist, and sharpened at one end. Upon the top he would rudely carve the figure of a bird or a fish. He would then go to a particular spot and kindle a fire with brushwood. Where the fire had died out he would stick in the hake-hake, and that was the place of his sepulture. When dead the arms were forced forward against the chest, and securely bound there with plaited green flax ropes; the hands were bound together and drawn over the knees, and a stick was then inserted between the arms and knees. This was the orthodox method of trussing a body, and it was sometimes a work of great difficulty; for when the body became rigid the efforts of many men were required to bring it into a proper position. I have seen them quite exhausted with pulling and hauling. This being done, the dead was enveloped in plaited flax matting, and interred us far as the knees, the upper portion of the body being invariably above the soil. To this very day. in clearing away land, I frequently light upon leg and arm bones pointing upwards; others, again, would be bound to two or three young trees growing closely together, in which case the body would he placed in an erect position, and bound round and round with vines from head to foot, but always seaward. A few years since, in sawing across a karamu tree, something offered unusual resistance to my saw; to my great astonishment I had sawn through the hip bones of a man; he had been lashed against the tree; it had grown and enfolded him in its embrace. Some noted fisherman, again, would direct his remains to be consigned to the waves; in which case he would be secured, lashed in a waka korari, or flax-stem canoe, in a sitting position, as if in the attitude of fishing. A long flax line, with a baited bone hook, and a sinker attached, was suspended over the side, and when the wind or tide was favourable he was launched to sea. A few years since an American whaler, beating about some twenty miles from land, observed one of these canoes with a man apparently sitting in it. Thinking it must be some poor native driven out to sea, a boat was lowered. Upon approaching the canoe, it was discovered to contain a dead body. The vessel was making for the south-east island, so they took the dead man in tow. Upon being boarded by some white men, accompanied by natives, the latter instantly recognised an old companion they had turned adrift, and implored the captain to send him off again, or the kiko-kiko would be exceedingly wrathful; in fact, they should never hear the last of it. Softened by their pathetic appeals, the worthy skipper cut him adrift once more, and away sped the old darkie in the direction of Cape Horn. In my rambles through the bush I have frequently observed a time and weather-bleached skeleton grinning at me from some old tree. Walking one day with an ancient native woman, she suddenly stopped, and commenced an affectionate and whining

korero with a skull suspended from a branch. I said – "What old friend is that?" "Oh," said she, "it is my first husband; he was a tane pai," (a good husband). My wife and I used both entreaties and arguments to break them from such indecent and unholy customs. One day, during my absence from home, a person was about to be interred in the usual manner. My wife, however, hastened to the spot, and insisted upon having a deep grave dug. She was instantly obeyed; upon which she read an appropriate prayer, and the body was interred with decency. From that time the old custom was never revived. Upon another occasion, a young person was about to be interred in a neat coffin; the prayer had been uttered, and the body was lowered into the grave; at that moment a huge piece of rock, weighing upwards of one ton, rolled from an ascent into the grave, crushing both corpse and coffin. Upon this the friends and relatives, who had hitherto maintained great decorum, clapped their hands joyfully, shouting and laughing. They said the kiko-kiko was killed, and would never come to trouble them now. When sick the only medicine they would take was water from some particular spring, and nikau, or cabbage tree: and though the spring was at the distance of twenty miles, it mattered not; it would be brought back to the person in a flax bucket. Another strange custom was this: the first who should see or touch the body of a person whose death had been caused by accident or violence should abstain from food for three successive sunrises and sunsets. They also believed that when a friend died he would send ashore black fish, or sea leopards; and whenever either happened to be taken they would all muster together to eat the food sent by the dead: of course the generous action was attributed to the last person deceased. But of all their customs the most cruel one was to destroy every child that cried during its birth, as it was deemed an unlucky one. Upon my first arrival a Moriori child was born during the night: on the following morning I went to enquire after it. They told me that it was a tamaiti tangi, i. e., crying child, and they had destroyed it before sunrise. I requested them to show me where they had put it. They led me to the spot, and to my horror and disgust pointed out a poor infant crushed to atoms beneath a huge piece of rock weighing at, least six hundredweight. They appeared to think they had performed a most praiseworthy and meritorious action. I told them they must never do so again; if they did, a great curse would be put upon them. Their reply was, that it might be bad for the white men to do so; but it had been the Moriori custom from time immemorial, and therefore it was not wrong in them: it is true they have seen good and evil examples set by white men; nevertheless, the contact has been beneficial, inasmuch as it has exercised a humanizing influence. The old customs I have alluded to are now obsolete; but the kiko-kiko they stick to

with great pertinacity: still they are professing Christians; and each Sabbath-day a little sheep-bell or a cracked iron pot summons them to prayer with unfailing punctuality: but if they are sincere and earnest in their calling, the sound of that iron pot will find as much favour in the sight of God as the great bell of Notre Dame.

The angel of death has indeed thinned the ranks of both Maori and Moriori by a great mortality; but the most fatal diseases are those of a pulmonary nature: the predisposing causes are numerous. I believe it to arise from hereditary taint and scrofulous habit; in fact, they are all scrofulous; and the connexion between scrofula and and pulmonic consumption is obvious and generally acknowledged; for when one disappears from the surface the other almost invariably falls upon the lungs: and consumptive malady has fearfully increased of late years. They are also subject to the cutaneous diseases engendered by unwholesome food and neglect of cleanliness. Of those diseases the hakihaki, as it is termed, is an aggravated form of itch, first arising in small pimples, which, becoming so many pustules, discharge an acrid fluid, which, falling upon the neighbouring parts, spreads over the body. I have seen wretched objects literally a mass of sores from head to foot; and I am here reminded of a cure more wonderful even than any recorded of that prince of empirics Professor Holloway: – An old man-of-war's-man, tired of war's alarms, came to this island for the purpose of laying his bones up in ordinary; and to solace his seclusion he selected a Moriori woman for his partner: she was generally known by the familiar name of Jenny, and as far as her gifts went, proved a thrifty plodding soul, and a valuable acquisition to the retired warrior: but increasing responsibility brought additional care; poor Jenny was visited by that troublesome scourge of her tribe, the hakihaki; in great consternation her partner solicited my advice, making out a woful case for his old woman: in fact, she was in Job's plight, covered with sores from head to foot, and might have scraped herself with a potsherd. At that time few remedies were attainable in this part of the world; but my impromptu prescription was to wash the sores with a solution of gunpowder. Alas! little did I dream of the explosion that was to follow! The directions were certainly clear and concise, – a liquid solution. Unfortunately, however, poor Jenny made the gunpowder into a tolerably thick paste! put off all her clothing, cut the hair from her head as short as possible, and then commenced rubbing in the paste, layer upon layer, leaving no part of her body untouched, – thus presenting the appearance of an animated squib: she then crouched over the fire, turning round and round until the application became pretty well dried in: all at once, however, she came in contact with the fire, and the explosion was instantaneous and terrific; a flash like lightning illumined her body, burning off and searing every

wound and excrescence. – peeling her, in fact, as completely as one would peel an apple. With a terrific yell the poor creature fell upon the ground writhing in indescribable agony! The news was communicated to me amidst shrieks of laughter by some Maoris who were eye-witnesses: but I could not sympathise in their merriment; so, mounting old Toby, I rode round to visit the suffering patient. At the doorway I was very roughly accosted by the old salt in phrases neither choice nor refined – "By God!" exclaimed he, "you have done a d – -d nice thing; you have blown my old woman's hide off!" Such, in fact, was the case, although they had to thank themselves for the mishap. Poor Jenny lingered some time in great pain; but ultimately she came forth quite restored with a bran new epidermis, most effectually cured of the abominable hakihaki. This little anecdote may be of some service to the medical profession, and furnish hints for their treatment of this disgusting disease.

I had eight of these people in my employ for about three years. In that time I taught them to sow, reap, and plant, – to till the ground, in fact, after the manner of white men: they were also taught to build comfortable dwellings; and in every respect they were raised in the scale of humanity: for their daily labour they were well clothed, and supplied with pipes and tobacco: they considered themselves well remunerated; and, upon the whole, seemed grateful for the advantages they enjoyed. About this time Bishop Selwyn paid a visit to the island; he summoned the Morioris together, and most kindly and feelingly addressed them, earnestly imploring them to make themselves acquainted with the principles and duties of Christianity. He presented each person with religious books, and advised them to attend my house each evening and join my family in prayer: they seemed much impressed by his Lordship's discourse, very frequently ejaculating "Ka pai te korero o te Pihopa.!" (the talking of the Bishop is good.) For some time they were quite regular in their evening attendance, and really seemed attracted by religion: at this progressing point, however, circumstances occurred which tended to unsettle their minds. A party of Maoris from the main island persisted in asserting a claim to them as slaves in accordance with Maori law: hitherto they had successfully evaded capture, but they were quite aware that such an unfortunate destiny could not long be averted; indeed, very shortly after, the Maoris in question landing here, hunted after them in every direction: one they succeeded in capturing, the remainder fled to the interior of the bush, and for the time they were effectually concealed there. Now, the Morioris had a particular dislike to the party by whom they were claimed, and had a great dread of falling into their power; one reason was because they were not Christian Maoris, – that they were men who had never listened to

the good Bishop's teaching. In their distress, and with fear and trembling, they solicited my advice; at once I persuaded them to leave the island for the main, and put themselves under the protection of the Bishop's Maoris; by so doing they would avert the greater evil. At once they consented. Upon this I communicated their wish to the Maori Christian teacher, who immediately despatched a boat for them. Thus ended my connection with the aborigines.

CHAPTER VIII. THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING.

FOR some time past the whaling vessels on which I had depended for my annual supplies had ceased to visit us; our stores were diminishing rapidly, and how to replenish them I knew not. Of food we had always plenty, but our diet was continually pork and vegetables, and we really pined for some other necessary comforts, especially flour: wheat we had in abundance, but having no mill, I knew not how to convert it into the precious condiment. Christmas was at hand, and I really was anxious to afford the dear children some little luxury. The great question between my wife and myself was pudding. Could we effect it?. Was the thing within the compass of human possibility? I conned over in my mind the various methods employed in ancient and modern days, but I could not see my way clear; all at once a brilliant idea flashed up in my busy brain, and I shouted out triumphantly, "The coffee mill!" "Try it," said my wife. No sooner said than done; the coffee mill was put in order, and to work went your humble servant; but slow and tedious was the process: it reminded one of that ancient personage who was condemned to exhaust the ocean with a bottomless bucket: but time and perseverance conquered my difficulty, and at last my precious meal was ground. But, with success, new difficulties seemed to rise up – Alas! we had no sieve! "Oh dear," said my wife, "what shall we do now?" "A muslin cap," was my response. "The very thing, I declare," said she: so hastening to her wardrobe, she produced a clean cap that was certainly made for the occasion; the precious crown we converted into a prime sieve, and to work we went sifting away, whilst the little ones danced merrily around us in joyful anticipation of the forthcoming pudding: at length our patience and perseverance was amply rewarded by a stock of

flour ample enough for the occasion: but, alas! alas! as Burns says, –

"The best laid schemes o' mice and men
Gang aft a-gley."

Just as my wife was about to commence the important task she was taken unwell, retired to her bed, and during the night gave birth to an infant. I had deep cause for thankfulness in a happy issue to this event; nevertheless, I could not but sympathise with the poor little mouths which had watered so long for their treat. And now an additional cause for enjoyment had arisen; so I determined to turn pastrycook. This was Christmas morning, and no time was to be lost: up went my shirt-sleeves, and at work went I, diving amongst the flour with praiseworthy energy. Still I had but little faith in my ability. It is true I can duly appreciate the delicate fixings of a table, and occasionally assist in the demolition of pie and pudding; but as to the concoction of these dainties I have about as much idea of the thing as a Dutchman has of dancing a polka. The materials, however, had been duly measured out by my wife the day before; so I mingled all together with prompt despatch. Then came the eggs. It appeared to me that she had been rather sparing of them. "No!" said I, "please God there shall be no stint in the house this day," so I levied a further contribution on the hens' nests. The more the merrier: "In they go!" was my soliloquy as the whole was mingled together. To cut the matter short, a most promising looking pudding was soon bubbling in the pot. My joints, roast and boiled, I superintended with fatherly care; and at the very strike of the clock to a moment dinner was smiling upon the table. My young olive branches made the most of time and sharp little teeth; but they carefully reserved corners for our musical prisoner in the pot. At last came the tug of war! The pudding was placed upon the board, and the first important cut was attempted; but, horrible to relate, it resisted the attack with all the force and elasticity of an India-rubber ball; indeed it would have answered the purpose of a foot-ball admirably, and might have been kicked a mile without breaking. I consigned it at once to the tender mercies of my children: how they succeeded in the process of mastication is to me perfectly inconceivable; but, by hook or crook, it was demolished. To this very day my wife has her annual laugh and joke about my Christmas pudding. This little circumstance, however, together with others of more importance, determined me to proceed to New Zealand by the first opportunity. I had upwards of forty home-fed pigs – famous fat fellows! and a quantity of wheat and potatoes, which I was anxious to convert into cash; and, moreover, I decided upon purchasing a good serviceable hand wheat-mill, together with a supply of household stores. Soon after a vessel arrived at the main island, and afforded the wished-for opportunity.

CHAPTER IX. A SUSPICIOUS VISITOR.

CHAPTER IX.

A SUSPICIOUS VISITOR.

IN the April of 1844, about the time of Heke's war, I sailed from the Chatham Islands in a schooner bound for Wellington. About 8 o'clock p. m. we dropped anchor in the harbour; and upon stepping into a boat I was instantly recognised by an old acquaintance, who asked me if I had risen from the dead. My friendly greeting soon convinced him to the contrary; so adjourning to Barrett's Hotel, we were quickly joined by the worthy host, and after the "cup o' kindness" had been passed round I hurried up to my friend's residence. They were quite astonished at my dropping upon them so unexpectedly. I was most thankful to see them looking so happy and so well; they were comfortably located in a neat and pretty little cottage. We had so much to talk about, and I had so many adventures to relate, that sleep was banished from the abode that night. After sojourning a while under my parents' roof, and enjoying their hospitality, I became anxious to turn my time to some profitable account. In a few days the opportunity offered, and I was engaged by a gentleman of high rank and ancient, lineage to take a survey of the Wairarapa Plains, and report upon their capabilities for sheep and cattle. At this time the natives were generally disaffected; they were most suspicious of the Pakeha, and therefore my task was somewhat dangerous and difficult. Many of my friends endeavoured to dissuade me from going: they prophesied all manner of disasters; some said I should never return; but their predictions did not deter me; and, moreover, the service was one which entirely coincided with my views: it had long been my wish to see more of New Zealand, and this afforded me the very opportunity to carry it out. With regard to the Maoris, I may say without egotism, that I was quite equal to the task of dealing with them; and, therefore, discarding all fear, I shouldered my traps and resolutely commenced my journey. My route lay round the place where the lighthouse now stands, and so round the sea beach: across my route ran two most formidable rivers; I forded the first, but upon approaching the second it was quite impassable on account of a heavy fresh, and for three long and weary days and nights I lingered near the margin: alas! it did not subside, and what to do I knew not; but I remembered having seen the natives construct flax-stalk rafts, and I determined

to make one, and venture across; so with my tomahawk I cut stout rods, then a quantity of strong flax stalks; the flax stalks I lashed firmly to the rods with strips of green flax, making all firm and sure. In half a day it was completed; but fearful that the rapidity and force of the current might carry me out to sea if I attempted to cross at this point, I towed my raft about a quarter of a mile up the stream; then taking a long pole in my hand I dashed boldly across; but ere gaining the opposite side the strength of the current had taken me down the whole distance. Thankful and happy to have surmounted this difficulty, I hauled up my raft, clothed myself, and started onward, sleeping where night overtook me. But, oh! that long and rugged path, it seemed interminable: when weary and wayworn, I sunk to sleep beneath an overhanging rock, and so unbroken was my slumber that the Archangel's trumpet would scarcely have aroused me. But "balmy sleep, nature's sweet restorer," exercised its usual resuscitating power, and at an early hour the following morning I prepared for another tramp; my food was produced; it had become "small by degrees and beautifully less;" in a few moments it was demolished, and there was no prospect of another meal until I might arrive at some Maori pa or whare; thankful, however, for my scanty repast, onward I tramped. About noon I fell in with the wreck of a whaler, the David, of Hobart Town; for at least two miles the beach was strewn with the debris of the wreck, and with casks innumerable; but nothing could I perceive in the shape of a human habitation. Proceeding a few miles further, my progress was effectually barred by a perpendicular cliff projecting boldly into the sea, towering up at least one hundred feet above me; being high water, it was utterly impossible to pass round the point, so I resolved to remain until low water and try the practicability, or return a short distance and seek some inland route; eventually, however, the tide receded, and in I plunged up to my hips; but the passage was most dangerous and difficult. There was a very heavy sea running, which every now and then broke furiously against the rock, drenching me completely; upon emerging, I wrung my clothes and blankets, and found myself upon a hard, sandy beach, at the head of Wairarapa Pay; and perceiving at the extreme end wreaths of smoke curling upwards, I became inspired with renewed life and energy. Still pushing onward I came to a spot alive with crayfish that had been driven up by the heavy sea. A little further on I discovered a full cask, rolled it further up, and with a large stone knocked the head in; it was a barrel of prime pork, in good condition; so, shouldering two pieces of pork and two crayfish, in about two hours I arrived at a Maori pa. At this time I could speak their language with tolerable fluency; but of that I resolved to feign entire ignorance, and address them

either in English or by signs: they would then be induced to speak without reserve; and, if any evil were intended, it would enable me to look out for number one. Upon my arrival about one hundred Maoris were engaged in building a strong war pa; but in a moment all rushed eagerly to see the Pakeha, asking me where I had come from. "From Wellington," was my reply; this they did not seem to understand, but repeated my answer in that peculiar mocking tone which Maoris will assume when addressed by a person unacquainted with their language. Being very hungry I pointed to a pot, then to the fish and pork: this bit of pantomime was understood at once; and, quick as thought, the crayfish and pork were simmering over the fire. In due time the cooked viands, together with potatoes, were placed before me. I then intimated by signs that they should join in the feast, but they all kept aloof until I had finished my repast; they then turned to with great gusto, and in a few minutes nothing was left but shells and well-polished bones. I then endeavoured to make them understand that there was a full cask on the beach, and that I required four or five of them to go with me in the morning and bring back the contents. By way of giving emphasis to my request, I said loudly and distinctly, "plenty more." "Hah, parenti moa," was the facetious re-echo. Finding I could make nothing of them, no more was said. One of them then showed me an empty pipe, tapping it with his forefinger. This movement I would not understand. He then offered me a full pipe to smoke; but I made him comprehend that I did not indulge in the habit. Then was the remark passed from mouth to mouth, "he does not smoke, and it is very evident that he has no tobacco with him." Now I had brought a few pounds with me for the purpose of remunerating those who might render me a service, and therefore I said nothing about it. Then began the grand korero. "What Pakeha is this?" "Where does become from?" "What can bring him here?" "Shall we turn him back?" "Shall we demand the key and examine the contents of that bag?" Another said, "No; he is not going to-night; but to morrow before he starts we will demand the key from him; and, if he refuses to deliver it, we will then take it from him, or force the lock." This amendment was assented to by the dusky conclave, who little imagined that I was laughing heartily in my sleeve. Soon, however, becoming very drowsy, they spread a lot of clean mats on the floor. I got between them, and slept soundly until morning. Awakened by the busy hum around me, I started up, unlocked my carpet-bag, and, taking out a piece of soap and a towel, prepared for my morning ablution. During these moments every eye was fixed upon me. I then hastened to the stream, and upon my return replaced the soap and towel, locked the bag, and returned the key to my pocket. I then

pointed to some Maori baskets that were suspended above my head, and placed my hand upon the shoulder of each person whose assistance was required to fetch the pork. Some of them evinced great anger at my touch, and started back with that quick start and hasty ejaculation so peculiar to the Maori – "Hah. tah." However, they went with me at last, and we walked to the spot where the cask had been left. We then put all the pork into the kits or baskets, taking as many crayfish as we could carry, and thus laden we retraced our steps to the pa. Then commenced cooking and feasting as usual, every man eating to repletion, lubricating their tatooed cheeks with the unctuous morsels. "Now," said I, pointing in the direction I intended to travel, "to-morrow I go." My carpet-bag I left knocking about amongst them with the utmost carelessness; and, knowing their intention, this was purposely done. I then strolled up the river in company with a native, and espying a covey of paradise ducks, I soon made him understand that a gun and ammunition were required; upon which he ran off, and shortly re appeared with a musket, powder, and small stones. Three of the ducks fell, and with our spoil once more we returned to the pa. Paradise ducks are about the size of Muscovy ducks, with red heads. Well, thinks I, when I go to my carpet bag in the morning for soap and towel they will overhaul it. Presently I overheard one saying lo another, "We will not touch it until he is quite ready to start; then we will demand the key, and look for ourselves." The morning came, and after breakfast I commenced folding up my blankets, which by this time were perfectly dry. The Maoris, to the number of about two hundred, were squatting in concentric circles: they motioned to me to sit down; but I, well knowing what was coming, walked forward with a smiling face and unconcerned air, and without giving them time to put their plans into execution, took the key from my pocket, unlocked the carpet bag, and emptied the whole contents out before them. Then for the first time I spoke to them in their own tongue. "You ask who I am, where did I come from, and where am I going? You are determined, with or without my consent, to examine the contents of my bag, and some have declared that they would take the bag and turn me back. Now, there it lies. If either of you have more right to it than I have, take it; and, if you are so disposed, take me with it; for I am from Wharekauri (Chatham Islands), and have been residing amongst many of your people for several years." My pithy address acted upon these exciteable people like a galvanic battery; they were on their feet in an instant: the news spread like a telegraphic despatch, and from every nook and crevice of the pa, men, women, children, and dogs came rushing in; and now questioning again commenced. "Why did I not speak Maori upon my first arrival?" I replied, "Because I wished to

ascertain how they would serve a Pakeha who did not understand Maori." They replied, "That the white people were beginning to be vexed with the Maoris, and it had made them very suspicious. Under these circumstances, they were anxious to know what brought me into the Ngatikahuhunu country; but if they had known I had come from Wharekauri, they would not have talked as they did." "And now," said I, "if you are going to take anything from me, this is the time." "Kahore! Kahore!" shouted two hundred voices simultaneously. "Well," said I, "we are good friends; let us remain so." One old woman asked me for a small piece of tobacco, which she had discovered; she filled her pipe and put it back again, and this little act plainly indicated that they wished to take nothing from me. "And now," said I, "I must be going; I wish to travel through your country, and see what it is like." "Kahore!" they replied at once; "you must remain with us, because you are a manuwiri nui (great stranger), and you know all about our people." Then commenced a long gossip; they questioned me as to the various tatooing marks upon their friends' faces, and my replies were quite satisfactory. I then enumerated the Ngatikahuhunu on the Chatham Islands, and named them individually; this established my claim to be a tangata tika rawa (a truth telling man); then we became better friends than ever. Had I been a king they could not have treated me with more marked distinction. The quantity of food that was placed before me that day would have weighed at least half a ton; every whare produced its contribution. A mat was spread upon the ground; upon this I sat, whilst the baskets were ranged in a circle around me: of course it was impossible to taste of all; but, according to native etiquette, a potato taken from each dish or basket, and placed to the lips, answered every purpose; so I managed famously, spending upwards of a month amongst them. They sent guides with me in every direction; I traversed the whole of the Wairarapa district right to the East Coast; but trusty friends were ever by my side: it is a splendid district for grazing, and my official report was so satisfactory that sheep and cattle followed in abundance. Since that day flourishing towns have arisen inland and on the coast; pathways of commerce have been carried over mountains and through deep valleys; the plains that once re-echoed the war-cry of the savage now teem with civilized life, and many a spot once a wilderness now blossoms as the rose.

Some of my Ngatikahuhunu friends returned with me to Wellington to purchase sundry presents for their friends at the Chathams; through me they were delivered to the parties as addressed.

CHAPTER X. THE TAUA.

CHAPTER X.

THE TAUA.

MY prophetic friends at Wellington were quite surprised at my safe return, affirming that I must be of the feline tribe; for, however tossed about by Fortune, I always contrived to alight on my feet. For my part I neither pin my faith on Fortune nor reproach her for every failure; it is certain that many difficulties may be avoided by judicious management; they have frequently loomed on my life's horizon, but the storms have been met by a bold front, and one by one they have passed over my devoted head, leaving sunshine behind. Having again enjoyed the society of my relatives, and made arrangements for the sale of my produce, I embarked once more for the Chathams in the schooner Susan Anne, bound for Tupuangi, the north-west point of the Island; I took with me several cases of family stores; and it was arranged that another vessel should be despatched in two months, and land salt and a quantity of casks for my pork. After a fair passage we landed at Tupuangi, and there I engaged with a white man named Harry to convey me and my goods to Pitt's Island, a distance of sixty miles; but as my boatman had previously agreed to join a party on a bird expedition to the Sister Rocks, it was arranged that I should accompany him to his abode at Waikoia, some twelve miles across the bay, and remain there until his return from the Sisters; so embarking with my goods once more, we landed at Waikoia, and everything was stowed away in my boatman's dwelling. Now the ground upon which the house stood belonged to the chief man of the pa, named Iko; he was much esteemed by the white men for his friendly dealing, and was invariably spoken of as a good fellow. Iko was an old acquaintance of mine, and he had shewn me great kindness upon many occasions. But poor Iko was now under a cloud; he had formed an attachment with a woman of a rival pa, and the feeling was quite reciprocated; but, alas! the course of true love never did run smooth; the lady's clan were opposed to his suit tooth and nail: so one evening he stole to her pa, whispered a word in her ear, and away they fled –

"She is won, we are off over bank, bush, and scaur,
They have fleet steeds that follow said young Lochinvar."

Aye! fleet enough they were, but the fugitives eluded all pursuit –

"There was racing and chasing o'er Cannobie lea,
But the lost bride of Netherby ne'er did they see."

They hunted high they hunted low, upon high hills, and down dense dark gullies, but not a trace of Iko or his lady love could they find; at last, furious with rage and disappointment, they gave up the chase, and thought only of vengeance. Now friend Iko was not very far off, and the stronghold to which he had conveyed his prize was a very shabby affair; it was composed of the fallen trunks of trees, piled irregularly one across the other, and surmounted by heaps of decaying potato stalks, and there they lay within that Cupid's bower, like two rats in a hole, "living and loving together." Their pursuers were passing and repassing every moment: he could hear their fierce ejaculations, but it stirred him not; he felt perfectly secure, "For," as he cunningly observed, "they will never think of looking for the old bird so near the nest." Such was the state of affairs when I entered Iko's principality, his dwelling barricaded and his enemies in full cry; but a confidential dependent soon whispered in my ear, "Taihoa," (by and by). I understood his meaning, for he was peering around him in every direction. The coast was quite clear, and he guided me to the blest retreat; it was not very easy of access, neither was it particularly fragrant. Iko was delighted to see me, and grasped me warmly by the hand. "I know," said he, "you are a Pakeha friend, and I can speak to you; you can do me good, and you will. I have taken this woman, and mean to keep her; but the taua will come and destroy all my property: Me aha (I don't care); but when they have taken all, the woman will be mine. And now, said he, where are your goods?" "In Harry's house," replied I. "Then put them under the ground quickly, or the taua will take them: and now listen to me, friend. I wish to save some of my property, will you help me?" I really felt for the poor fellow, and promised to taua with the best in his behalf. He said in his whare there was a sixty-gallon cask of rum, and he was very anxious to procure all he could; and he suggested that I should effect an entrance through the window, and fill all the iron pots and the tea-kettle. Promising to do my best, I left him; but my anxiety was about my own goods, and where to stow them. In one of the boatmen's outbuildings stood a large heap of potatoes, perhaps about ten tons, and it occurred to me that this would be a most secure place of deposit; so I made a deep hole in the potato heap, put my goods in, and carefully piled up the heap as before. My next job was to commit a burglary, and rob my old friend's cask of its precious contents, it was my first and last attempt at anything of the sort; but I succeeded admirably, and with the assistance of Harry it was safely stowed. I then went to my old friend's hole to report progress, and revived his drooping spirits with a dram, and three bottles for present stock. Presently after, an old lady, delighting in the name of Mother Frying-pan, came rushing into the pa; she said the

taua was coming early the following morning. Upon this Iko proceeded to give Harry and myself further instructions; we were to join in the rush, seize and take away everything we could lay hands on; but, above all, to secure the contents, or as much as we could, of his large chest. The morning arrived, and down came two or three hundred men, with tomahawk in hand, shouting and yelling, "Taua! Taua!" We were quite ready for the occasion. They first commenced with the pigs, cutting them down in every direction; we followed the example, and many poor porkers fell beneath our weapons that day; on each pig so killed we placed our several marks, tied their legs, and hung them on the trees, and not a soul presumed to interfere with the pigs so marked; then followed the rush upon the whare and its contents, and here some dexterity was required, hundreds of clamorous plunderers were waiting anxiously for ingress; but having planted myself close to the door at the earliest moment, I was one of the first inside. The tempting rum cask was the first object of attack. While they were thus busily engaged I espied the chest in an instant, and with one kick of my foot up flew the lid. Diving my arms deep into the bottom, nearly the whole of its contents was enfolded in a strong embrace, and I hurried away to deposit it in a place of safety. Again I returned to the work of plunder. There was a staggering toper drawing off rum in a bucket, and an empty ten-gallon oil cask standing near; with the heel of my boot I crushed in the head, and as the last thirsty soul was served, under the spile went my cask; when about three parts full, Harry popped in with his bucket; I shouldered my cask, and he took my place to the great dissatisfaction of several impatient customers. Then followed the seizure of such articles as are usually found in a Maori whare, – mats, spears, war trophies, and other curiosities; but of all we got a full share. Evening was now drawing nigh, and the Maoris were too much intoxicated to do further mischief; so waiting till the coast was quite clear, I hastened to Iko's bower, and reported progress. He was quite elated, clapped his hands together, and called out, "Kapai! kapai! kapai! (good, good, good.) And now," said he, "where are your goods, are they all right?" "Oh, they are quite safe, ko tana rawa kua tanumia ki te whenua"(buried deep in the ground), not telling him where they really were, lest the secret should leak out. On the following morning, at the earliest dawn, Iko and his chere amie stole away like two badgers from their hole, and wandered off in the direction of Cape Young. Giving the taua time to disperse, it was mutually arranged that each day I should carry them food: but upon approaching their lurking place, a handkerchief tied to the muzzle of my gun should be held up as a signal, for he had a loaded musket with him, and swore to shoot the first Maori that might approach: therefore each morning

I took a gun in my hand, apparently for the object of shooting, but really to feed these babes in the wood. The boats had sailed for the Sisters, and after two days' feasting and drinking, the taua finally dispersed. Away I sped to carry him the news. "What is the talk now?" said he. "Oh, the taua is over, and every soul has gone home." "Kapai! kapai! hei ahau te wahine " (good, good, the woman is mine). Upon asking where she was, he led me down into a deep valley, well sheltered by bush, and there sat the woman by the fire; he took up a bottle of rum, and drank so long and so deeply, that his breath came forth in sobs, like a drowning man; he then handed it to the woman, who took a more moderate swig, upon which he shouted out exultingly, – "Kua tapu koe ki au," (you are sacred to me). We all walked upon the hill overlooking the sea, and saw the boats returning from their sport. Iko, myself, and the woman, went down to Harry's house; the Maori laws had been fully vindicated, and the bride and bridegroom retired to their rifled abode that night. A Maori rarely evinces gratitude, but Iko really seemed to do so; he repeatedly urged Harry and myself to make a fair division of the spoil; that, of course, we declined with the usual complimentary korero, and so ended Iko's taua.

The Maori code of laws is a very singular one, but some of them were well adapted for such a people in their primitive state. They have their native lawyers too, who are frequently consulted upon points of importance, but I never heard of their receiving a fee. At this present moment there resides a cripple on the main island most hideously deformed, who is spoken of as a Maori Blackstone; but whatever their laws might be they were enforced with the most rigid impartiality. In one instance I was prosecutor in one of their courts, and the details of that case may not be uninteresting. During my residence on the north-east point I had procured from a whale ship a piece of new rope. All at once it was missing. I hunted about for it in every direction without success. All at once I remembered that a Maori named Paioka had visited us on the Friday, and my suspicion immediately fell upon him. This was the Saturday. The morrow was the Sabbath. He would then attend the karakia, or church, and during the morning service I resolved to search his whare. The Maoris had recently embraced Christianity, and had built a karakia in the Wakura pa, and Paioka lived in a little whare at a short distance from the pa; so on the Sunday morning, in company with a younger brother, I visited the neighbourhood, watched them all enter the church, and then proceeded to Paioka's whare. The door was simply fastened with flax. Having untied it, I entered and commenced a search, but no rope could I find. But just as I was fastening the door it struck me that the rushes of his pillow might conceal the stolen

property; so hastening back, I turned up the rushes, and there lay the plunder. Now, fully resolved that all his people should be made acquainted with this dishonesty, I took the coil of rope on my arm, and leaving my brother at the door, walked very quietly into the church uncovered, placed the coil immediately before the culprit, and sat down in front of him; thus the stolen article was between us. He had been uttering responses most loudly, but his voice now became very shaky; every eye was upon us, but not a word was spoken. At the conclusion of the service, he was the first man to walk out, and squatting down in the centre of their korero ground, he awaited his doom in silent resignation. I followed with the coil, and again placed it before him, saying – "This rope is mine; you stole it from me on Friday." Thereupon the congregation who were squatting round us in circles, cried out "Nau tenei i tahae," (you have stolen this). His reply was "Tika" (true). Then the chief man of the pa gave sentence in the following words: – "Kei te Pakeha te tikanga o au mea katoa" (the Pakeha has the disposal of all your goods). Thinking to frighten him, not deeming that the sentence would be carried out to the very letter of the law, I followed him into the whare; then I commenced tapuing his potato garden, putting a stick into the ground in the midst of the potatoes. I tied the vines around the stick with spear grass. The pumpkins and barley were tapued in the same manner. I then returned to the whare, took his lines and fish-hooks, together with half a keg of gunpowder, and with this I retraced my steps homewards. Now it was not my intention to detain them; but knowing that he valued this lot above all his property, I thought the lesson would be salutary, and prevent him from stealing again. On the following morning, however, he and his people commenced to dig the half ripe potatoes, pluck the young pumpkins from the vines, and cut the green barley; and on the Tuesday morning, at the very dawn of day, Paioka, with his wife and children, came into my yard with loads of potatoes, putting them down without speaking, and then off for more; and so they kept going until the whole of the tapued property, potatoes, pumpkins, and barley, were neatly piled up in the yard. I was rather uneasy at this, thinking it would create an unpleasant feeling amongst my neighbours; such, however, was not the case; it was considered perfectly right, and in strict accordance with their laws. When all was dene, Paioka came to the door saying he wished to speak with me. "This," said he, pointing to the heaps, "is payment for the goods I stole." I replied that I never expected or wished him to do so, and that I would pay him something. "No," said he, "it is the Maori tikonga of the taihai (their custom of dealing with theft). But the powder and fish-hooks, &c, he humbly sued for. Of course I gave them up at once "Kapai koe " (you are very

good) shouted Paioka, as he went on his way rejoicing. The lesson was not lost. I was never robbed again, that is, by a Maori.

CHAPTER XI. HARD TIMES.

CHAPTER XI.

HARD TIMES.

A FINE south-west breeze setting in, I left Waikora in the whaleboat, made Oenga that night, and on the following morning, to my inexpressible pleasure, landed once more upon my own domain. After an absence of four months and a half the lively greeting and rosy cheeks of my little ones told a tale of glowing health. My good partner, however, had many grievances to relate. In the first place, the man whom I had left in charge proved a shackling dishonest fellow. He had broken open my boxes, given great trouble, and had finally absconded with a party of bay whalers, stealing from me two barrels of oil. This oil he had taken to the South-east island, and bartered for rum. Upon hearing this very unpleasant intelligence, I resolved to sift the matter to the bottom, and arranged with the boat's crew, who were bound to the Southeast Island, to walk overland, and meet the boat at a settlement called Glory, immediately opposite the island in question. The boatman's object in going to the South east Island was to enquire after a person known by the name of Bill the Clerk, Manager of the Oenga whaling station. This man, in company with two Maoris, had sailed from the Main Island about six weeks previously; bad weather came on, and fears were entertained for their safety, and these fears were soon realised. They were all lost, and the broken oars were ultimately found washed up on Waikari beach. This Bill the Clerk had previously resided at Glory in a furnished cottage: but, upon arriving there, I discovered it broken open, and everything of value taken away. This had been done by the boat's crew, who had loaded their boat with the plunder, and carried it to the South-east Island, leaving me behind. Observing a cask standing in a corner, I proceeded to examine the contents, lifted up the top, and grasped a handful. Great God! it was two hundred pounds of coarse gunpowder, and I had been standing over it and stirring it about with a glowing pipe in my mouth. I turned away absolutely sick and shivering with terror. To this day it is never remembered but with an involuntary shudder. Rolling the cask outside and laying a train some fifty yards long, I hurried to

a place of safety; an explosion followed that seemed to upheave the very earth, reverberating from rock to rock like the splitting of a thousand thunderbolts. Thinking this would bring the boat hack for me, I waited and waited in tedious expectation; but they never came; well knowing the object of my visit, no attention was paid to my summons; they were all leagued together in dishonesty and with them might was right: reflecting upon this, and knowing that abuse would be the only recompense I could hope for, I turned away with feelings of deep disgust, resolved to keep aloof from such reckless, unprincipled scoundrels; so I returned home once more, and commenced planting: it was hard labour, but so thoroughly disheartened had I become by the bad conduct of men who had been trusted in all good faith, that I resolved to work my fingers to the bone, rather than seek assistance; so from earliest dawn of morning until dusk I kept plodding on until my crops were in the ground. I now began to look forward very anxiously for the arrival of the vessels from Wellington: we were so much in want of clothing and other necessaries, that it was an advent we dwelt upon long and hopefully; so I got together my pigs, and everything else quite ready, and each morning I used to cast a long and wistful glance over the ocean; my wife would sometimes say, "Don't count your chickens before they are hatched." I did count them. Alas! they never were hatched. One morning, however, to our groat relief, a messenger dispatched by M'Latchie came to tell us that the vessel had arrived, and was lying on the east side of the island, and with the first favourable wind she would come round. I went to work immediately and killed twenty-one pigs; by that time the wind was quite favorable, still no vessel hove in sight. Anxious enough, I went round to ascertain what was detaining her; and when I got about six miles on the road, to my astonishment she was squaring away for Okawa. Upon my arrival at Glory, a message was delivered to me from M'Latchie in these words, "When I got the casks he hoped they would do me good; at present he needed them himself; that, in fact, he had taken the personal responsibility of everything consigned to me." This was the message which fell like a dead weight upon my heart. M'Latchie had assured the captain in the most positive manner that I had neither pigs nor produce, had promised him a full cargo and quick dispatch at Okawa, and so persuaded him to throw me over. I was horror-struck; my property and labour totally lost. Oh! I could have wept tears of blood. My pigs killed and not an ounce of salt to cure them; it was a cruel thing; what had I done to this man that he should have injured me so deeply? Nothing; it was an act in perfect unison with his life – a morbid desire of injuring his fellow men; and I was not a solitary victim. Indeed, there are few even at the present day but have some anecdote to

relate of his craftiness, duplicity, and double-dealing villany. Hastening homeward with a very heavy heart, I could scarcely summon up resolution enough to impart the sad news to my wife and children; but my wo-begone face soon told the tale, and all were cast down and cruelly depressed. However, there was no time to be lost; something must be done with the pigs. Now, having seen the natives trying out birds in their own fat, I resolved to do the same with my pork; so cutting the meat entirely from the bones, and then into small pieces, it was cooked in a small try pot, put into casks, headed up, and filled at the bungholes with melted fat; and thus I made the best of a heavy loss. Meat prepared in this way will keep for any length of time. We were now very hard up for clothing. How or where to procure another supply was a mystery, and my wife became very uneasy. I often used to say "Cheer up, my dear, there's a better time coming: our crops are good, and all ripe."

"The rainbow spans the valley
When clouds obscure the sky;
And night is often darkest
When morn is drawing nigh."

And this was verified in my case; for one day as I was in the act of cutting out a pair of pigskin mocassins, a whale-ship came round the point. Oh, that glorious bark! never was vessel hailed with more intense delight by shipwrecked mariner! I hoisted my flag with a grateful heart; it was no sooner at the mast-head than two boats were in the water pulling for the shore. I furnished that vessel with ten tons of potatoes, some vegetables, and a lot of pigs, and got a good supply of everything I stood in need of. A Mangea native was landed very sick; but he soon recovered, and became an honest and faithful servant, remaining with me for nearly twenty years. The captain of this vessel was so well satisfied, that he kindly promised to recommend me to his friends; so, once more on my legs, I gathered in my crops for winter store, and commenced clearing away upon a more extensive scale. For some succeeding years my customers continued to arrive, and I had a steady demand for all my produce Being pretty well stocked with goods, I invested a small sum in sheep. For some eighteen months after this we never saw a sail, and the stock became unusually low. I cannot say that rags were more numerous than patches, for my thrifty wife kept plying the needle and thread with untiring industry. My wardrobe could boast but two shirts, and it would have required a keen eye to discover the original material. For twelve months I had been shoeless, and we were much in want of blankets. In this forlorn state the bark Harvest, a home ward-bound American whaler, touched here for supplies. Upon going on board to receive payment every eye was upon me –

"A thing made up of shreds and patches."

After relating a few of my adventures we proceeded to business. The first articles on my list were shirts and trowsers – a shirt I pleaded for most eloquently. "This," said I, looking ruefully on my dilapidated garment, "is an old friend; it has done my state some service, and has been my bosom companion for eighteen months. Another, equally time-worn and venerable, lies in my humble wardrobe, and long and faithfully have they performed, their alternate duties. Look well upon this, and tell me whether or not it deserves superannuation." The worthy skipper smiled and said, "Wal, I'm real sorry, but I guess you won't get such a thing in this ship." I here fell below zero. "Surely, " said I, gaining courage from despair, "you can furnish me with two from some private stock." "Wal, we are badly off; I guess we have hardly enough to carry us round Cape Horn." But I stuck to my point with the unrelaxing energy of a drowning man, and at length he very kindly said he would look round during the evening, and if either he or his officers could supply my wants, it would afford them real pleasure. I requested he would be good enough to furnish me with all the clothes he could muster. He promised to do so, and to land them and shirts on the morrow, and take some pigs back in the return boat. I then went ashore with my purchases – blue calico, prints, and shoes. My wife was very thankful, and I'm sure she fervently acknowledged the goodness of God in her devotions that night. On the morrow it was blowing a gale of wind, and for hours the bark tried to beat up. Watching her very narrowly, I saw her topsails go, for by this time it had come on to blow a perfect hurricane: so, squaring away before it, she was soon out of sight, bearing away my treasures. "Now," said I to my wife, "something must be done, or my woollen shirts will fall to pieces;" her suggestion was to cover them with blue calico and quilt them. This was a brilliant idea, and it was well carried out; for when these garments had been worn two years they were warmer and thicker than when new. The sight of my "bosom friends" often caused me a hearty laugh, and I would often sing a verse of an old-remembered ditty –

"Oh never look down on a well-tried friend,
But think of the wandering Jew;
He patched my granny's old spectacles up,
And made them better as new."

Could the companions of my earlier years have seen me arrayed in those memorable garments, which performed the triple duties of coat, shirt and vest, they would have declared that a second living edition of Robinson Crusoe was vegetating among the islands of the South Pacific; it mattered not to me, for my wife and children had plenty of clothing, and with my little ones around me, I was as happy as a king. Still these were hard times – the ebb-tide of fortune; yet never for one moment did I despair or indulge

in listless apathy; ever persevering, wasting neither time nor substance, and exercising a well-disciplined judgment in most things, I waited patiently and hopefully for better days. I could behold from my own Mount Carmel a little cloud arising in the distance, and the heavens glow black with clouds; and I could hear the sound of that abundant rain which foretold the coming of plenty.

CHAPTER XII. THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

CHAPTER XII.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

I HAD now a family consisting of three sons and three daughters; of these, four were born on the Chatham Islands. Upon the subject of baptism my wife and I were exceedingly anxious; fortunately a minister of the gospel was at hand, who duly performed the sacred ceremony, and the character of that holy man was so exemplary that I cannot pass him by in silence. A few years before, a minister arrived at the main island, delegated from the Evangelical Church of Berlin – the Rev. Francis Scheirmeister. He was by birth and education a gentleman, and by the grace of God, a zealous Christian in deportment, conversation, example, and precept. He was truly a model which his fellow-men would do well to copy. The unaffected humility of his disposition touched the most insensible and callous heart; the boldest and most daring sinner on the island would bend in reverence before him; oven the unenlightened savage could read the simple and holy character of this man of God, and invariably named him the minita tika (true minister.) Our good Primate of New Zealand, who knew him well, always spoke of him in the warmest and most feeling manner; indeed, he fully appreciated the worth of his less exalted fellow labourer. His unexceptionable qualities, however, could not secure him against adversity, and his constitutional weakness unfitted him for the constant struggle with so many turbulent and unquiet spirits; at length, after much patience and long-suffering, oppressed in mind, body, and estate, he came to this island with his wife and two little daughters, and took up his residence in a neat little cottage which I built purposely for him. From a very early age my children had received daily instruction from him; and, while he imparted to his pupils the knowledge of this world, he never failed to speak of that

wisdom compared to which the science of the philosopher is a dream. The Sabbath day was a happy one, and ever hailed with delight. Upon that day every member of my family would punctually attend his cottage and join in devotion, or kneel silently while he poured forth his eloquent soul in prayer. For nearly two years we sat at the foot of this man of God, and listened to his holy admonitions. At length a letter arrived from Berlin summoning him home; he was about to comply, when a most serious illness fell upon him. At this time the good Bishop Selwyn arrived here in his yacht, and most kindly undertook to convey him to New Zealand; but he was so weak and exhausted that his Lordship assisted in making a litter, and in carrying him to the boat; in fact, he treated him almost with parental tenderness –

"By their fruits ye shall know there."

Upon his arrival in Wellington his illness assumed a more serious form, and for some time his life was despaired of; eventually, however, he rallied, and his medical advisers urged his proceeding immediately to a warmer climate, as the only means of preserving a valuable life; accordingly, with his family, he proceeded to Sydney, and eventually became the pastor of a German congregation in the vicinity of Moreton Bay. From that place we received most affectionate letters, replete with pious advice to my children; but latterly our correspondence has ceased; indeed, my last letters remain unanswered: he may have returned to his home in Germany; but our impressions are that he has entered into that eternal home not made with hands.

CHAPTER XIII. PERSONAL NARRATIVE CONTINUED.

CHAPTER XIII.

PERSONAL NARRATIVE CONTINUED.

TO return to my narrative. My sheep now began to increase and thrive well, and I succeeded in procuring a bull and cow; sent for some English grass seed and clover, choice flower and garden seeds of all sorts; after waiting a long time for them they came to hand. All my old cultivations I turned into a grass paddock, and in the month of April I sowed my wheat and grass; and, in the following March, my paddock produced fine grass seed – in England I never knew a grass field produce seed so soon after sowing. I had now a famous paddock of six acres. On each bare spot, as I passed through the Island, it was my custom to sow grass seed, so

that the clearings soon became turfed with fine English grass, and the sheep and grass thrived together. I used to watch my little flock until they were as tame as dogs, and no stockholder could be prouder of his countless thousands than I was of my twenty pet ewes. Many of my pigs went wild in the bush, and became excellent ploughmen, rooting up the fern in all directions. Whenever an opportunity occurred I purchased more sheep and cattle. A good horse would have been valuable, but it was impossible to procure one in those days. It occurred to me, however, that a serviceable young bullock might be trained into a good hack; so I commenced breaking in a fine large calf; made a saddle and collar out of pig's skin, and the traces out of rope, and he soon became as docile as an Arab. When twelve months' old, my children could ride him anywhere, and, when big enough, he would frequently carry me twelve miles on his back, trotting away with remarkable pluck. On my pig-hunting excursions he was useful in the extreme. As soon as the pig was killed and cleaned I used to lash it on his back, and away home. I was almost as proud of Toby as a gentleman of his thoroughbred. The natives were quite astonished at this, and became very anxious to obtain cattle and train them in a similar manner, and for some years my calves were eagerly purchased at five pounds per head. Since that time their work is principally done by oxen and the Main Island is overrun with wild and tame cattle. Afterwards the natives having a mania for sheep, purchased some from me, and for a time took great care of them. Eventually, however, like children tired of their toys, they neglected to look after them, and they were all devoured by the dogs. Many successive attempts were made, but each was a failure. Still they saw how rapidly my flock had increased, and were anxious to try again; and during a visit paid them by Bishop Selwyn, his Lordship advised them to turn their attention to sheep once again. he told them they would supply both food and clothing. This made a great impression. They purchased from me hundreds at a time, and they now take good care of them, a shepherd being constantly watching. If they persevere in this, they will do well. At the present moment sheep grazing is their great hobby, and should I continue to sell as I have done, the Chatham Islands will very soon be stocked. Some years since there was a great mania for horses; as much as two hundred pounds in produce has been given for one, and they were quite proud and elated with their prancing steeds, riding them through the country at a fearful pace. At present the Island is almost overstocked; but the poor brutes are treated with great cruelty, and not unfrequently die under their riders. They will ride one the whole of the day, tie it up to a post at night, and leave it there for many days, with scarcely a blade of grass within reach; in fact, nothing can exceed their

inhumanity to dumb animals. My personal attention was now directed to sheep farming, fencing and seeding down paddock after paddock. About two hundred acres are at present enclosed and turfed over. Upon this I keep some of my sheep and horses, and cows during the time of their giving milk. The remainder run on the plains, which are almost overstocked. During the time of the Melbourne diggings, vessels were continually arriving from Sydney and Melbourne. I then became a potato and wheat grower upon a large scale, and found a ready market for everything. This materially increased the comforts of my family, and added a considerable amount to my exchequer. The waters that surround Pitt's Island have long been considered the best whaling ground in the South Pacific. This I duly advertised in the American papers, naming my residence as a most convenient place for getting supplies. For some succeeding years from sixteen to twenty vessels annually arrived, and most of them became customers. This created a great stir amongst us; occasionally as many as six noble vessels would be anchored in front of my dwelling, and sometimes as many as seven boats' crews would land at one time for supplies. My terms were either barter or cash, and I succeeded in selling several hundreds of pounds worth annually. During one day, fourteen hundred barrels of sperm oil wore taken, and this was a time of great excitement. Occasionally a captain would arrive, bringing his wife with him. We have been favored with the society of ladies for months at a time, and this made things very pleasant. The busy seasons lasted about five years; the ground then became pretty well cut up. After a few years' rest, without doubt the fish will return, and therefore I still anticipate the pleasure of welcoming my American friends again. I now became so overstocked with goods that it was necessary to open a store on the Main Island, as there was no other means of converting them into cash. For this purpose I employed a native agent of the name of Paramene, who proved to be a most honest and trustworthy man. The gold discoveries in Otago was my next stimulus, and it opened another good market for my produce, also for fat wethers. Yet, not contented with being a grower, I must needs become the purchaser of one hundred tons of potatoes. The year proved a prolific one everywhere, and not a purchaser came forward. Thus potatoes and goods were totally lost; so after paying my agent his commission for buying, selling, and store rent, I wound up with a loss of three hundred pounds. After this I resolved to sell only for cash, realising a fair profit; perhaps it was a salutary lesson to deter me from embarking in further speculation, or having too many irons in the fire; indeed, as long as I can secure a good market for produce, and for wool, of which I have from sixteen to twenty thousand pounds weight in stock,I shall be contented to keep in my old beaten track.

CHAPTER XIV. THE CONCLUSION.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE CONCLUSION.

MY narrative now draws onward to a close The Chatham Islands of the present day are totally different from the Chatham Islands before described. The old bay whaling parties have long ceased to trouble the Islands; and M'Latchie, the leader of the banditti, has departed from the scene in one of the wildest nights that ever darkened the Island; he was driven out to sea and perished miserably. Some very old settlers still remain on the Main Island, men truly hospitable in their humble way; in their abodes friends and strangers share alike: the step on the threshold is a signal for the pot to be put on the fire; but the poor or destitute ensure a double welcome; indeed a wayfaring man could scarcely offer them a greater insult than pecuniary recompense; and this has been a general custom: in fact, either my house or theirs is open to all comers, and the best that can be produced is placed before them. This is a very good custom for an Island like the Chathams, where a person has occasionally to travel forty miles from settlement to settlement. During my wanderings, those hospitable houses of call have always been hailed with deep thankfulness.

"Still tramping onward, weary and foot-sore,
I hail at length a hospitable door;
Well pleased before the generous host I stand,
And grasp with flowing heart an honest hand.
Thank the kind stars that brought me to the dome,
Draw near the fire, and find myself at home.
Here weary travellers dread no fiercer frown
Than plenteous 'tucker' and a soft 'shake-down.'
No freezing welcome drives him from a door
That always opens widest to the poor."

For about eight years a resident magistrate has been appointed by the New Zealand Government. This office, until very recently, was filled by A. W. Shand, Esq., a gentleman who has left behind him many sincere well-wishers. His courtesy and kindness to the white settlers, and his ardent desire to ameliorate the condition of the natives, cannot be too warmly appreciated; and for his personal kindness, good counsel, and friendly advice upon every important occasion, he has a strong claim upon my gratitude. His estimable and accomplished lady, with a numerous family, still resides upon the Main Island, universally respected, with a kind and gentle word for all, irrespective of class or colour: few can approach her dwelling without a glow of pleasure. The peculiar duties of this excellent lady are many and pressing; but not unfrequently has she, like some ministering angel, attended the sick couch, cooled the fevered and parched lips, and calmed the struggling soul on its passage from time to eternity.

"When pain and anguish wring the brow,
A ministering angel thou."

At present the magisterial chair is most ably filled by Captain Thomas, a gentleman eminently qualified for the office. In the various litigious cases occasionally brought before, him, his decisions, just and impartial, are invariably carried out with military promptness.

The Chatham Islands is a most desirable locality for steady working men who wish to earn a comfortable livelihood by honest labour, and a few such settlers would be really an acquisition. Parties from New Zealand have evinced a desire to purchase land, but as the Chatham Islands land titles were undetermined, the purchases could not be carried out. One enterprising young sheep farmer, Mr. Thomas Ritchie, has made a beginning in the right direction; he has taken a lease of land as a sheep-run, and his flock already promises a speedy return of expenditure; with most plodding industry he is improving the run, burning off the flax, and sowing grass; indeed, his steadiness of character, unassuming deportment, and good principles, have won golden opinions from all classes, Pakeha and Maori. And now a word or two regarding my old friends the Maoris: they are in many respects an interesting race. Of all the inhabitants of the South Pacific, they have enlisted the largest share of our sympathies: their independent bearing and indomitable courage, their fixed tenacity of purpose, and their eager thirst for knowledge, have been well appreciated by the Anglo-Saxon race; and the romantic heroism of their warriors, who have defended their native fortresses against overwhelming numbers, has excited, even in their foes, a chivalrous feeling; but it cannot be denied that great vices are mingled with their virtues; they are cunning, treacherous, avaricious, and cruel: nevertheless, they have all the characteristics of the noble savage, and they have been so bepraisod, eulogised, carressed, and petted, that they have never realized their real position; and here, in my humble opinion, a great mistake has been made; our policy has been visionary in the extreme: we have presumed to interfere with the laws of nature, and it has been an unfortunate failure: we have endeavoured to blend the savage with the civilised race, not by a long course of judicious training and salutary discipline, but by immediate transformation. To effect this, tempting allurements have been held out, and the most intractable savage has been bribed into submission; in fact, the sop has invariably fallen into the mouth of the noisiest demagogue. For a time the experiment looked promising; the blanket was discarded, the spear and tomahawk were flung aside; they came forth arrayed in faultless paletot and florid trousers – were invested with magisterial honours, and offices for which they were totally unfit – and became so elated and self-important, that the relative position of Pakeha and Maori became entirely reversed; they began to assume airs of superiority, dictate to the Government, and finally

threaten and strike. Now, I most respectfully submit, that had a less temporising policy been shown, and a determination not to be trifled with boldly carried out, many of the recent calamities might have been avoided. During an intercourse of many years, it has been my constant rule to deal with them honestly and fairly; indeed, I can truly say, in no matter of business did I ever seek to deceive them; upon this position I have taken my stand. In return they have been generally honest and punctual; but whenever a noisy brawler would seek to intimidate, I have met him with a bold front, face to face, and eye to eye, and the ebullition never failed to subside very quietly. The Chatham Island Maoris, like all the Pacific races, are in their decadence. At one period they numbered above nine hundred; the present census shows but little more than four hundred. To what physical or moral cause this may be attributed I know not; but, like all other startling events in this hemisphere, it may be the mysterious means of creating a channel for the vital stream of civilization which is flowing towards the Pacific. There is no chance, as Darwin beautifully observes, "When God made the world, he weighed the dust and measured the water." The first quantity is here still; for though man may gather and scatter, and mix and unmix, he can destroy nothing; the destruction of one substance is the life-bloom and beauty of another; one hand gathers up all; nothing is lost. I can never treat a Maori unkindly, neither can I look upon him without a feeling of sympathy for the expiring race. The Chatham Islanders are as hospitable as Arabs. I have never entered their whares but food was produced, the best and choicest their humble dwellings could boast, and at night the cleanest blankets and mats have been spread for my repose. In return, a Maori never enters my house without a welcome, nor does he quit without a good repast. Almost all inhabitants are professing Christians, punctual in their attendance at karakia, and paying great reverence to the Sabbath. The household work, oven to peeling their potatoes, is done on the Saturday night; nothing is left for the morning. Nevertheless, they have been frequently termed great hypocrites. With such a sweeping assertion I cannot agree; on the contrary, there must be some great principle at work within their hearts that thus softens and humanizes. Many of the Chatham Island Maoris have repudiated brutalizing and degrading vices, and have become exemplary members of society. Indeed, their daily lives, as presented to the world, are salutary lessons for men of any class or colour. Occasionally the darker shades of their nature will become developed. Granted that such is the case, shall we reproach them if we, with all our superior advantages and attainments, cannot repress or keep down our own evil propensities? Shall we unkindly cast the first stone at our dusky brother? It is very certain they are not immaculate; but let any person of calm and unbiassed judgment reside amongst

them and witness the every-day life of such men as Tangari, Wiremu Naera, Peteri, Paramene, and many other Chatham Island Maoris, and he will become impressed with the truth of my conviction, that the good seed has not been sown on barren soil. They have been reproached, and justly so, for suffering their places of worship to fall into ruin. Many years ago the Waitangi Maoris, under the auspices of Pomare, an influential chief, erected a most imposing and beautiful edifice; the exterior was of flax, and the interior walls were tastefully covered with reeds of the toe-toe, interlaced with green flax, and the roof, woodwork, and timbers were painted in their peculiar style. Maori arabesque rows of large windows were neatly put in by an experienced workman; and, when completed, the effect was grand and solemn. Whilst Pomare was in existence, the house of God was kept in good repair; after his death it was neglected, and year after year became more and more dilapidated, until the very swine desecrated their graves, and thrust their unclean snouts under the pulpit. This was a great scandal, and seriously grieved our good Bishop. The late Resident Magistrate, Mr. Shand, ofttimes implored them to restore their place of worship; and his successor, Captain Thomas, has entreated them with all the eloquence of a Christian; in fact, he never allowed the subject to drop. Whether those arguments have awakened them from their apathy, or the neat little Wesleyan Chapels arising around have touched them with shame, I know not; but the words of their modern Nehemiahs have gone forth – "Come and let us build up the walls of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach:" – they are now busily at work repairing and renovating the House of God, and neither time, labour, material, nor funds are bestowed grudgingly; this indeed is a step in the right direction. In the virtue which the Apostle classes next to godliness, they are miserably deficient; soap and water is held in positive contempt. Their women, who are much lower in the scale of humanity, will sit as contented in the midst of dirt and disorder, as a well ordered person in a swept and garnished mansion; reproach one with personal uncleanness, and she will reply indignantly, "we wash ourselves once a week; surely that is enough." Their children, from the period of their birth, are kept in a state of perpetual filthiness, and throughout the length and breadth of the Island fleas and lice are the rule, not the exception. If it were possible to reform the women in this respect, the men would very soon acquire and appreciate the blessings of cleanliness and good order. Then, and not until then, can we hope for the regeneration of the Maori. Much odium has been thrown upon them from their habit of purchasing goods from traders on credit, or as they very appropriately term it ronga taima (long time), and neglecting to pay for them in due season. I have known traders supply persons with goods to a very large amount upon the sole security of their forthcoming crops, a succession of which, for years, would scarcely pay the debt. To a certain extent

they are honest in intention; that is, they never shirk payment; but it takes such a long time to close the account, that profits are either absorbed by interest, or the debt is totally sacrificed by the fluctuations of the market. I have seen hundreds of tons of (long time) produce rotting upon the Island during one season; for this, however, the traders are more to be blamed than the Maoris; they are, in fact, so anxious to dispose of their own goods, secure present and future cargoes, and keep rival competitors from the market, that they will do so at any risk or sacrifice. This system is carried on to the present day; yet I never heard that it worked well, or brought any amount into the exchequer. However, the trade being generally managed by paid agents, to whom very little loss can accrue, they play at the game with impunity.

I have spoken kindly and candidly of my old neighbours, my motto being –

"Nothing extenuate,
Nor set down aught in malice."

No one will be more truly delighted than myself to see them emerge from habits which have hitherto kept them aloof from the Pakeha in their domestic economy, in the culture of their soil, or in mechanical pursuits. I should be thankful to see them work side by side with the white man, with no other rivalry than honest labour – no other feeling than praiseworthy emulation. I have now, thank God, emerged from the difficulties of my early life, and can look around on my family with complacency. My children have never suffered a real privation, and I have been enabled to afford them the benefits of a useful English education. From earliest youth they have boon trained to habits of industry and economy; may they ever make a right use of the privileges they have enjoyed.

Many years ago my aged parents came from New Zealand to spend the remainder of their days near me. My father, now seventy-eight, and my mother seventy-nine, still hale and strong, though sometimes visited by affliction incidental to advanced age, reside in a most pleasant little cottage within sight of my dwelling; and the same old English spirit of independence which placed them above many others in their rank of life is still strong within them, – they will rarely allow another to do for them what they can do for themselves.

And now a few parting words of advice to those young fellow-labourers who may have left their native soil to become the pioneers of their own fortune. Do not linger around the outskirts of society, or allow yourselves to become contaminated and enervated by the vices around you; but boldly hew out a path for yourselves. Be not discouraged by temporary difficulties; but, when they come, face them with manful resolution. Above all, deal openly and honestly with your fellow-men of every caste or colour, and, with God's help, you cannot fail of success.

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