310 GOOD SITE FOR A TOWN. [PART II. 



They are about 1500 in number, and of late most of 

 them have become Christians. There are about 

 forty Europeans settled on the northern shore, who 

 have lived here for several years past : but the mixed 

 members of this little community do not keep up 

 the best understanding amongst themselves ; and it 

 would be well to establish soon some authority at 

 this place, as, from its being almost the best harbour 

 on the western coast, and the only one of conse- 

 quence between Manukao and Port Nicholson, from 

 the quality of the surrounding country, as well as 

 from the immediate neighbourhood of the extensive 

 and fertile Waipa plains, a town might be esta- 

 blished here with every prospect of immediate suc- 

 cess. The greater part of the land in the vicinity 

 of Kawia is claimed by Europeans. 



We settled with our numerous followers to their 

 entire satisfaction, a shirt or a gown being the pay- 

 ment to each. Amongst them was a chief, Te Kiwi, 

 with whom I was particularly pleased. He had 

 been formerly a renowned warrior in the wars of 

 his tribe with the Nga-te-awa. Although fully 

 tattooed, his countenance displayed much mildness,, 

 and his behaviour to us was conciliating, polite, and 

 attentive. In his exhortations to the rest of our 

 companions he often used the powerful weapons of 

 sarcasm and irony, which had the more weight as 

 they were delivered without arrogance and in per- 

 fect good humour. He took great care of his 

 daughter, a fine little girl, who had volunteered to 



