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White Wings Vol I. Fifty Years Of Sail In The New Zealand Trade, 1850 TO 1900

Fashions Astonish Maoris

Fashions Astonish Maoris.

Referring to the Fifeshire's arrival, the Nelson "Examiner" said that as the ladies (cabin passengers), dressed in the London fashions of 1841, were carried ashore from the ship's boats the Maoris broke into loud exclamations of wonder and delight. "Kapai!" "Kapai te wahine!" "Kapai te piccaninny!" said the astonished natives, who, though familiar enough with white men, had never before seen the prevailing European fashions for women and children. And no wonder they were astonished.

Wheelbarrows were the only means of conveyance when the ship arrived, and were in great request, being kept going day and night. Soon, however, a man named Sam Phelps, with a youthful assistant named Ben, arrived from Port Nicholson (Wellington) with a dray and team of bullocks. His team consisted of a celebrated bullock, "Shortland," and two other bullocks almost equally well known. Sam, an original character, was brought on one occasion before Lieut. Shortland, Magistrate and Colonial Secretary. Sam paid his fine, and promptly christened one of his team after the unpopular Acting-Governor. The next time he met the stately and pompous Colonial Secretary on Lambton Quay the air rang with oaths and objurgations to the unhappy bullock.