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An Epitome of Official Documents Relative to Native Affairs and Land Purchases in the North Island of New Zealand

Native Excitement concerning the War at the North

Native Excitement concerning the War at the North.

The following day we arrived at Te Rapa, and met with a friendly reception from the old chief Heuheu, who had guns fired on our approaching his place, and whom, on our arrival, we founds seated on a large stone in front of his residence, surrounded by his tribe, who all bade us welcome, after which he led us to his house; and, on inquiring for some of his friends with whom we were acquainted, he entered into a long conversation respecting the war at the North, saying he considered Hone Heke (one of the least of the New Zealand chiefs in prowess) was more than a match for us; that Hongi, his relative, who went to see King George, advised Heke (when he was a little boy, attending on him page 128during his last illness) to be friendly to Europeans, but should it happen that, after his death, a flagstaff were erected in New Zealand, he should be careful to prevent such erection on his own territories, as that would show a desire on the part of the Europeans to posses his lands and deprive the New Zealanders of their country. He said Taraia was a restless chief, and not unlikely to take part with Heke; that he was himself looking quietly on, but could not help having a friendly feeling towards him, as a man of the same colour and country as himself; that, indeed, all New Zealanders were of the same colour, a continuous race of chieftains, possessing spirited but yet obstinate minds that no fair means could subdue; that there was a strong inclination on the part of the tribes of Taupo and Rotorua for more fighting; that the Ngatipikiao, of the latter place, headed by their chiefs Rupe and Matangi, sent him a basket of cartridges as a token that they were disposed to attack the Ihupuku Pa and try the strength of the large number who collected there last year, as well as to be revenged for the death of some of their relatives killed at Patoka. These cartridges Heuheu fired off, to show that he was not disposed to use them for that purpose, his desire being for peace, and through him it had been preserved up to the present time. Still he could not suppress the warlike propensities of other tribes, who were only waiting the result of the procrastinated war at the North, which kept them all in commotion, and made it difficult to keep them in proper subjection. He had himself declined assistance against his former enemies along the West Coast, and was even sending his women amongst them unprotected (carrying presents to Te Rauparaha and the Ngatitoa) as an earnest of his forgiving disposition. The conduct of the Mission Natives had given him dissatisfaction, but he highly respected the European Missionaries, who were all very kind to him, and regretted the Bishop had not placed one at his settlement, not wishing that a preference should be given to inferior chiefs whilst he was neglected.