542 
TE RAUPARAHA AND RANGIHAEATA. 
any thing he could give, whether food or clothing, in fact, his 
natural sagacity told him that it was his interest to make 
common cause with the Europeans, for it was through them 
he acquired the sinews of war, guns, powder, shot, and every- 
thing else that he required. 
In latter days, when the influx of Europeans became greater 
and they held permanent possession of his land, without 
making common cause with him, as the whalers had done, 
but often treating him in a slighting way, it is natural to 
suppose that he would regard them with more suspicion 
than attachment; and so should we also, had we been in 
his place. That he was a savage conqueror and cannibal, 
guilty of many enormities and unmerciful deeds, cannot be 
denied, but it must also be remembered, that he did not 
possess the light which we do ; and when his deeds are put 
alongside with those committed in civilized and Christian 
warfare, for which have we the most reason to blush ? 
Sir George Grey, by his kindness and presents, drew 
Rangihaeata several times from his retreat at Poroutawao, 
as a tiger from his lair, and when he thought he had conci- 
liated his regard, and secured his friendship, he asked him 
to sell Waikanae, it would have been a subject for an artist 
to picture the indignant looks of the Chief ; he flatly and 
rudely refused, telling him to be content with what he had 
got. “You have had Porirua, Ahuriri, Wairarapa, Wan- 
ganui, Rangitikei, and the whole of the Middle Island given 
up to you, and still are not content ; we are driven up into 
a corner, and yet you covet that also.” Chagrined and 
disappointed the Governor took his leave ; he, however, was 
most highly honored at his departure by many tokens of 
regard, and interesting addresses were sent him from those 
very natives, though they refused to accede to his wish and 
part with their patrimony. 
The earliest visit paid Rangihaeata after the war, was by 
Lieut. -Governor Eyre and myself ; he was still at Porou- 
tawao ; a long low narrow strip of land, running through 
deep swamps, led to his retreat ; the name of the place aptly 
describes it, being a cork, or stoppage to war, and few would 
