116 ADVENTURE IN NEW ZEALAND. Chap. V. 
perienced and determined chieftains, than to any vast 
superiority in weapons of war. 
Between the rivers Patea and Wenuakura, in a 
commanding position in the centre of the Ngatiruanui 
country, seems to have been the spot where the first 
pause was made by the invaders, as though to take breath. 
A detached cliff, 200 feet in height, inaccessible on 
all sides except by a narrow and ascending neck of 
land, formed a secure position in native warfare, which 
boasted of no projectile weapons. The old men of the 
N gatiruanui, who still inhabit a pa on its summit 
called Tihoe, describe it as having l)een tenanted by 
Rauperaha and his followers for a considerable s})ace 
of time. The aboriginal tribes seem to have sought 
shelter in the interior from the invading body, as they 
and their descendants at this time inhabit the same 
part of the coast in large numbers. 
The next conflict took place on the banks of the 
JVanganui river. Deep and wide, it must have afforded 
a great aid in obstructing the progress of the con- 
querors. The remains are still in existence, on the 
south bank of the river near its mouth, of the extensive 
earthen fortifications erected by the TVanganui tril)es, 
and ttiken by Rauperaha and Te Pehi ; when they 
destroyed such numbers of their enemies, that every 
family there at the present day bears the hope and 
desire of revenge. The Ngatiapa and Rnngitane, who 
dwelt in the country watered by the Wangaihu, 
Turakinuy and Rangitiki rivers, were next slaughtered 
or put to flight ; and the Muopoko were comj)elled 
to yield before the victorious party as it swept the 
country between Manawatu and the island of Kapitiy 
opposite to which a halt was again called. 
This island, lying four miles from the shore, and 
abounding in natural fastnesses, became the strong- 
