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The Journal of Edward Ward 1850-51

Monday, February 3rd

Monday, February 3rd

Cool till twelve o'clock, wind N.E. Attended at the bank all day with Mr Gale, who is only just recovering soundness of mind, being equal to the habitual mechanical part of his business, so he requires a steady eye over him. The Captain of the Oriental was buried today in the town cemetery; his body was carried ashore in a boat from his ship, and the funeral was attended by all the sailors in the Port. His page 121complaint was consumption. The most interesting event today was a korrero*, or native council, by which the Maoris decide and put to the question matters affecting their politics and interests. About nine o'clock a party was seen approaching the town by one end of the principal street, and another entered at the other end. When they saw one another they rushed together at full speed, and co-mingling, sat down for a while in a circle. Then a chief rose and brandished his wooden spear, and at a word of command formed the rest into a double line. They, with hoots and shrieks, went through a war dance, with rapid evolutions of hands, feet & clubs executed with wonderful precision together, ending with a shrill scream. This mutual noise soon gathered to the spot every one in the town, who stood by, amused much at the performance. After the dance was over they adjourned to a grassy spot, where they were harangued for about three hours by several chiefs in order. These spoke with great fluency, energy & dignified gesture. The subject was whether they should accept the terms of a new contractor on the roads who offered less wages to the Maoris than they had been in the habit of receiving from the Association, and a longer day's work. This subject was debated as if it had been that of Peace and War. It ended in their refusing to go to work, and dispersing to their homes. Several ladies seemed to have been somewhat alarmed by this unusual spectacle. Those who have seen the real war dance of natives in the Northern Island, with war mat, tomahawk and paint, say it was most ludicrous to see the same attitudes performed by men clothed in European clothes—generally ragged or in half-keeping—perhaps a red flannel shirt and a pair of drawers, with a long pair of boots drawn over them, a girl's hat and a blanket; loose shirts drawn over anything. The principal chief had a clean shirt and a black silk handkerchief, a cap, with a braid band and glazed peak, jauntily set on, very spruce, and white trousers page 122belted round his waist. Over his legs, however, he had drawn a pair of black waterproof gaiters which buttoned up the side and turned his otherwise appropriate costume into complete ridicule. I soon got tired of looking on and, not understanding, I went away. Signed agreement for lease for seven years with Austin and Lewis. Took a walk in the evening with Wortley and Mr Godley and took tea with Mrs Godley. Mrs Russell there and a good deal of fun about the ball to-morrow.

* Korero.