Chap. XII. THE CHILIAN PROJECT. 359 
Chilian republic. This scheme, however, was discou- 
raged and ridiculed by the steadier settlers ; and it 
failed for want of a leader in whom the confidence of 
any large number could be reposed. Dicky Barrett, 
with his usual rough wit, had helped to throw cold 
water upon the wild speculaton. An old, high- 
sterned, wall-sided cutter of 50 tons, built many years 
before in Queen Charlotte s Sound by Jacky Love, had 
been lying opposite Barrett's door since his final 
removal from Te-awa-itit with a broom at her mast- 
bead, and the constant subject of mirth and derision. 
Dicky got some bills printed, advertising 'her for Val- 
paraiso, with " a high poop and experienced surgeon ;" 
and I believe that this squib contributed in no small 
degree to remind the people how ridiculous was the 
idea of another migration. 
On the 16th of August, the return of the Brougham 
with Colonel Wakefield from the Bay of Islands 
restored general confidence. It was soon rumoured 
abroad that the news from head-quarters was good ; 
and the Chilians now seemed quite ashamed of their 
fears and their vain attempts to change the opinion of 
the community. 
On the 19th, a public meeting was held in the 
unfinished hotel, to receive the answer of Captain 
Hobson to the address of the colonists. Colonel 
Wakefield stated the results of his mission ; — that he 
had been received by the Lieutenant-Governor in the 
most courteous manner ; and that he was assured that 
the feelings of Captain Hobson to the settlers at Poft 
Nicholson under the auspices of the Company were of 
the most friendly nature. Colonel Wakefield stated 
that ,his Excellency had condescended to admit him 
to his acquaintance, and had thus enabled him to form 
a high opinion of his kindness of heart and nature, his 
