1 [0 WARS PACIFIC INTERVENTION 
had been apprised, by a messenger, of the in- 
tentions of the Bay-of- Islanders ; and when the 
party arrived, the stripping commenced and pro- 
ceeded in the usual way. Rather more rough- 
ness was used, however, than is the practice 
on such occasions; one was wounded with the 
wadding of a gun ; another man fired with ball- 
cartridge, which took effect ; and a native of some 
rank was laid dead upon the field. The war-cry 
went forth, the spirit of revenge was let loose, 
and numbers on either side fell to rise no more. 
Wareumu, the chief who led the party, was shot 
through the neck ; his wife was a corpse by his 
side ; and on his breathless bosom slept for ever 
his infant child. News of the affair arrived in the 
Bay with the speed of lightning : the whole com- 
munity was roused : a council of chiefs was held ; 
and it was universally determined, that either the 
natives of Hokianga or the Bay-of- Islanders must 
cease to exist. Large preparations were made ; 
the forces were nearly equal ; arms and ammuni- 
tion were abundant on either side ; and all was 
bustle and anxiety, in arranging matters for a 
speedy and exterminating war. Every native ac- 
knowledged, that peace, without blood, was impos- 
sible ; that the breach was too wide to be healed ; 
and that they must, under the circumstances in 
which they were placed, fight for the honour of 
their tribes, and to satisfy the manes of their de- 
parted chief and friend. No one capable of han- 
dling fire-arms was allowed to keep away, except 
