20. Trade with the Natives

[The following extracts from the 'Rough Day-Book' indicate the terms upon which Rhodes traded with the natives for provisions, etc.]

September 25, 1836. Cloudy Bay.

I Keg of powder, 20 flints, 6 fish hooks, for 60 baskets potatoes.

November 22, 1836. Eua (Tonga).

3 lbs. beads (12/-), 1½ tobacco (6/9), 6 doz. pipes (3/–), total £1.1.9, for a quantity of fruit, coconuts, etc.

December 4, 1834. Pylstart (Ata).

1 old saucepan, 2 lb. powder, 1 doz. kerchiefs (8/-), 3 shirts (10/-), 1½ lb. beads, 2 doz. pipes (7/-), total £1.53., for 40 baskets potatoes and 17 pumpkins.

January 15, 1837. Three Kings.

Exchanged 1 red shirt (4/-), 1 doz. pipes and ½ lb. tobacco (5/6). total 9/6, for seven baskets potatoes.

April 25, 1837. Bay of Islands.

2 lbs. tobacco (9/-), 4 canisters powder (8/-), pipes (3/-), total £1, for 2 pigs, vegetables, etc.

1 Musket to Pomare for securing the anchor.

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October 19, 1837. Vavao.

10 yards muslin (10/-), 10 trading knives (5/-), looking glasses (3/-), 2 kegs powder (50 lbs. @ 1/5, £3 10s.), 6 muskets ac £1 6s. (£7 16s.), 16 boat axes at 2/10 (£2 5 4), 5 large American axes at 3/- (15/-), total £15.5.2, for refreshments, wood and water.

February 23, 1838. East Cape.

One tomahawk (2/-), three blankets @ 9/6 (£1.8.6), 2 kegs 50 lb. powder £3.10s.), 10 canisters powder @ 2/- (£1), 6 boat axes @ 2/10 (17/-), 4 lbs tobacco @ 2/6 (10/-), 8 doz. pipes (4/-), total £7.12.4, for refreshments.