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calcareous matter dissolving away from the back bones of the British subjects, and the race deteriorating towards the type that must be submerged.
Some of the Maoris displayed peculiar intelligence and refinement. I can well remember Tikau, uncle, by the way, of Charlie Tikau, the present chief of Rapaki, near Lyttelton. Tikau was chief of a pah near Wainui at the head of a pretty little bay, which is still known by his name. He was frequently over in Pigeon Bay, and whilst there surprised my father considerably by his knowledge of mensuration. Where and when he had acquired it no one knew, but he could accurately measure a piece of land no matter what its shape. He chained it, mapped it out on paper, and calculated the acreage, and I don’t think he was ever known to be in error. My father’s confidence in him was so complete that he always employed him to measure all contracts (bush falling, planting, etc.), entered into with the Maoris. Besides this extraordinary accomplishment, Tikau was naturally intellectual and refined, always conducting himself with dignity and propriety. Sir George Grey held him in high estimation.
