NEW ZEALAND. 415 



Pomare was very talkative, and although young, appears well- 

 informed in the history of the island, and is quite intelligent. In his 

 accounts, he dwells particularly on the extensive ravages committed 

 by Shougi, who I believe was taken or went to Europe. After his 

 return, finding he had lost influence in his tribe, in order to regain it, 

 he committed some of the most barbarous cruelties that have ever 

 disgraced these islands, and made his name terrible among the tribes. 

 Most of these, before his wars, had from three hundred to one 

 thousand warriors, but only a few now remain in some of those who 

 were formerly powerful and independent, and who being from their 

 weakness unable to contend by themselves, have become incorporated 

 with other tribes. The reason that the natives give for this diminu- 

 tion is, that Shougi had killed them all. His conquests embraced 

 nearly all the northern part of the north island, whose warriors he 

 then united, and led against the people of the south, about Hauaki, 

 on the river Thames. With these he waged a long and bloody war, 

 and extended the name of Ngapuhi, which properly belongs to the 

 people about the Bay of Islands, as far south as Kiapara. His death, 

 which happened a few years since, was a great relief both to his 

 followers and foes. 



The last war took place in 1837, about two years before our arrival. 

 It was, in all probability, the last native contest that will be waged. 

 It was caused by the disappearance of a woman of Otuiha, whom 

 the tribe of Kororarika were suspected and accused of having killed 

 and eaten. Formidable preparations were made, and the allies on 

 both sides called in ; the people of Kororarika being aided by the 

 forces from Hokianga. The principal battle was fought in a piece of 

 marshy ground between Waikereparu and Otuiha. Here Pomare, 

 better known by the name of Charley, then quite a boy, led the 

 forces of Otuiha, while those of Kororarika were marshalled by Pi, 

 a great chief of Hokianga ; and the fight was terminated by Charley 

 first shooting Pi, and then the second chief, who was endeavouring to 

 save the body, with his double-barrelled gun. The heads of the 

 warriors were cut off, and preserved as trophies, while their bodies 

 were left on the ground. They were not eaten, though the Hokianga 

 people are said to be cannibals. This latter imputation, however, 

 should be received with caution, as the information was derived from 

 their enemies. 



From all I could learn, Pomare is not deemed very courageous, 

 and was not himself engaged in the fight. He is looked upon as quite 

 avaricious, and as a great coward ; he is much addicted to liquor. It 



