Chap. VI. NATIVE GREETINGS. 147 
A volcanic peak at Sugar-loaf Point shoots up to the 
height of 500 feet. Two islands lie at the distances of 
one and two miles respectively to the westward ; and 
several islets and extensive reefs are scattered about on 
the southern side of the point. Barrett went off in a 
whale-boat, accompanied by E Pf^are and Tuarauy the 
two young deputies from Port Nicholson ; but he found 
the surf too heavy for landing. They succeeded in 
making themselves known to some natives on the beach, 
two of whom swam off through the surf, and came on 
board the Tory. 
An interesting scene now took place : Maori custom 
had prevented any communication in the boat ; and 
even for seme time after they had got on board, all four 
sat weeping on the deck, with their heads buried in 
their mats. 
One of the two strangers at length rose, and after 
the ceremony of rubbing noses had been performed by 
all, he related in a recitative dirge, beautifully affecting 
in its tone and expression, the hardships and dangers 
which had been endured by those on shore since the 
retreat of the main body of their relations. Their 
numbers, he said, had been wofuUy diminished by the 
predatory incursions of the TVaikato war-parties. They 
had repeatedly been besieged in their strongholds on the 
peak or the islands ; and, unable to trust themselves so 
far from places of refuge as to cultivate to any extent, 
had lived in a great measure on iish and fern-root. 
"But," he said, "though we muster now no more 
" than threescore, we have determined to remain on 
" our dear native land, and to struggle on through 
" fear and hunger. We are glad to see our brothers 
" from Port Nicholson, and our old White friend." 
Tuarau answered them in an encouraging strain ; 
telling them how he had brought White men to pay 
l2 
