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pounded the folly of making any attack on the settlers.
Tuhawaiki’s principal sphere of influence was in the vicinity of Dunedin Heads, but, as a fighting chief, he exercised sway over all the South Island. When in Canterbury he stayed a good deal at Pigeon Bay, and on the occasion of Sir George Grey’s first visit to Akaroa an interview was arranged. Tuhawaiki came to my father before starting, and said, “Mr. Hay, I am going to ask you to do me a favour. I have left my watch in Dunedin, and I do not want to appear before Sir George Grey without one. Will you lend me yours? I promise you to take great care of it, and if I damage it, I will pay you.” My father readily granted the request, and the watch was duly returned with protestations of thanks.
This truly great chief was accidentally drowned when landing near Timaru (at a spot since known as “Bloody Jack’s Head”) from what was in those days known as a sealing boat. There was a heavy sea running at the time, and it was generally surmised that he was stunned by striking his head on the steer-oar, for he was a powerful swimmer. Anyhow, when his men got him out of the
