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Preface.

The following narrative of events which I humbly lay before the public, are taken directly from my diary, written at the second Maori War, through which I served in the colonial forces. I may, therefore, assure the reader, that the incidents herein related are not overdrawn. Of course I had to alter names for obvious reasons, as many of the characters are still in New Zealand and Australia.

I have endeavoured to describe the principal physical features of New Zealand, and the peculiar characteristics of the Maori Race. Whether I have been successful or not, of course I must leave that to the decision of my reader. Perhaps I can do no better than copy the written criticism of Mr. Fred Warbrick:—

"A perusal of 'Ngamihi' will be found interesting to any one acquainted with the Maoris, or possessing a slight knowledge of their country. For several reasons the book should be a success, chief among them being that there are no works of any size, as far as I know, in which Maori characters are introduced in a tale of fiction in conjunction with European actors. Ngamihi or Zada, one of the foremost characters in the story, appears to be a true type of a Maori Chieftainess, simple yet brave, resolute yet generous. The other Maori actors, making due allowance for the license allowed a writer, have not been unnecessarily exaggerated. A perusal of the book will not only afford an hour or two's pleasant recreation, but from it the reader will glean much information regarding the characteristics of the New Zealanders, their country, their habits, and their customs, which, so far as I am aware, are not generally known to the ordinary reading public."