Arrive at Whanganui. Taonui, of Mokau. Bishop Selwyn arrives. Visit to the Taupos' Encampment.

On the 13th instant, the Rev. Messrs. Skevington, Turton, and myself went to Whanganui, Mr. Bolland having gone there previously. On arriving there we proceeded to the Taupo encampment, but found the greater number of them were absent plundering the potato-fields of the Mission Natives of page 125Whanganui, who, by Mr. Taylor's advice, resisted their aggressions. Our arrival occasioned considerable sensation, and there were, anxious inquiries made of us as to the strength of the party who had assembled. One of the chiefs, Taonui, was evidently agitated, and expressed his regret at having come there. During the day his Lordship the Bishop arrived from Taupo. Shortly after his arrival he visited Heuheu, who appeared pleased at seeing him. He told him that his son had opposed his coming, as well as several of his friends, and from the persuasive conversation of the Bishop, for whom he professed much friendship, he appeared to have regretted his coming. On the following day a second visit was paid by the Bishop, the Rev. R. Taylor, and the Rev. Messrs. Bolland, Skevington, Turton, and myself. The Bishop had a short conversation with Ngawaka, one of the Waikato chiefs, who, presenting an empty pipe, begged for some tobacco. After talking to him some time unheeded, he replied that were he to fill his ears with tobacco he would probably listen to him. This was considered by the Natives around, who were all heathens, as a curse, and one slightly touched the Bishop's hat, who very properly took no notice of the insult. At this time I was with Heuheu, when his Lordship joined us, and expressed his disapprobation of their behaviour, and remarked that if his head was not sacred, as in accordance with their customs, still his being a chief ought to have gained him some respect.