Assistance sought from Taranaki. Accompanies the Northern Tribes.

Messengers having been despatched to New Plymouth with the information that Heuheu had come a second time, and to request the assistance of their friends, I considered it necessary to go to Whanganui, and, accompanied by the Rev. William Bolland, proceeded towards that place. In my journey, the Natives who went from New Plymouth and other settlements along the coast behaved themselves in a very creditable manner, their principal leaders recommending they should be guided entirely by their Missionaries and Protector; and Christianity appeared to have so far spread its influence that they would not attempt an attack on their enemies, even if they were sure of being conquerors, which, from their overwhelming numbers (1,109) when assembled at Ihupuku, there could be little doubt of, the Taupos mustering only two hundred, and the greater number young and inexperienced in warfare.