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then asked my father it he could await his return, which he agreed to do. In a short time the Maori returned with the “trongo,” and received his book in exchange, after which he was severely reprimanded by the chief, who asked my father to appeal to him if he had any further trouble with his people. Subsequently to this incident, when my father had occasion to cross that stream, the same Maori was on the look-out for him, and ferried him over, but would never accept payment, being better pleased to regain my father’s esteem.
In July, 1843, the Wairau tragedy occurred, and the news of it reached the Peninsula early in the spring of the same year. The Maoris there, as well as at Kaiapoi, were much excited when they heard of it, and two minor chiefs named “Bigfellow” and “Bukanui” persuaded them to massacre all the pioneers and whalers at one sweep. The plot was well conceived, and every detail arranged, but it leaked out prematurely through the Maori women who were married to whalers. Seeing that the settlers were aware of the design, and were preparing to protect themselves, there was a delay to further mature their plans. This
