his first exploration he was accompanied by John Clarke, of Pakawau, two Massacre (Golden) Bay natives going with him on his second trip.
On this latter occasion soundings were taken when at the Buller which was found to be navigable for coasting vessels of considerable draught. Proceeding south, the little party arrived at the Miko Cliffs (better known afterwards as Jacob’s Ladder), near Romney Point. The ladders which were used by the natives to scale the cliffs were found to be decayed and had to be restored. This took some considerable time, and when they had at length ascended and hoisted up their swags and dogs they heard voices exclaiming, “He Kuri Pakeha! He Kuri Pakeha!” (a dog of European breed), they having encountered a party of Maoris bound for the Buller, who immediately took to the bush and there remained for some time, being afraid to approach the exploring party. Gaining confidence somewhat later, the natives seemed very pleased at seeing a European as no white man had been there since Brunner’s visit in 1847. At Mackay’s request they agreed to cancel their trip to the Buller and to return to Mawhera with him. On arrival there Mackay made known his intention of exploring some open grass land at Ahaura, in the Grey Valley, and he made arrangements with the natives to convey him there in a
