396 NEW ZEALAND. 



Tooron, with his family, had worship both morning and evening, 

 as is customary with converted natives, he himself officiating. The 

 accommodations were none of the best. An open shed, with fire and 

 blanket, were, however, sufficient to insure a good night's rest, 

 Tooron was liberally paid, and so well pleased, that he said he was 

 determined to carry his guests over the river himself. The road was 

 any thing but good, being miry, and filled with roots of trees, so that 

 their attention was wholly engrossed in seeking a good foothold. 

 The river was again repeatedly crossed. On the way they met 

 natives loaded with baskets of peaches, the season for which had 

 arrived. They freely offered their fruit, for which tobacco was 

 returned. Before noon, they arrived at Baron de Thierry's house, 

 where they were hospitably received by his lady. This house is 

 situated at the head of tide-water on the Hokianga river, about thirty 

 miles from its mouth, and boats can ascend as far as this place. 

 There is no village at the mouth of the river, but many whites 

 reside at different points on its banks. There is a bar between the 

 headlands at its mouth, which will admit only of small vessels 

 entering;'. 



Our travellers had intended to return the next day, but one of their 

 guides, by the name of Pooe, was missing. He had been allowed to 

 take up his quarters at a short distance, on condition of his being 

 ready for an early start; on inquiry, however, they were informed 

 that Pooe had said he did not intend to go back until Monday, which 

 was two or three days off. They departed without him, but before 

 reaching Tooron's, Pooe again joined them, having a piece of pork, 

 which one of his friends had furnished for the Doctor's supper. 



Mr. Davis's was reached at dark, and the same warm greeting 

 experienced as before. The next day they reached the Bay of 

 Islands, at Pahia. 



Pahia is the principal missionary establishment of the Episcopal 

 Church. It is pleasantly situated on the bay, opposite Kororarika, 

 and is the residence of all those attached to the mission, and their 

 printing-presses are there. It is too much exposed to afford a good 

 harbour for shipping, but as it is the most favourable side for com- 

 munication with the interior, the advantages and disadvantages of its 

 position are nearly balanced. 



Kororarika is still the principal settlement, and contains about 

 twenty houses, scarcely deserving the name, and many shanties, 

 besides tents. It is chiefly inhabited by the lowest order of 



