362 ADVENTURE IN NEW ZEALAND. Chap. XJI, 
Tliames. There were thus three towns at the Bay of 
Islands alone. First, the Government town in em- 
bryo, Russell, which as yet contained only the Govern- 
ment house and the barracks, which had been built as 
stores by Mr. Clendon before the arrival of his Excel- 
lency to give him his lucky bargain ; secondly, the 
late Resident's town, Victoria, in the lots of which a 
good deal of speculation had already taken place ; and 
thirdly, Kororareka, or the actual town, where the 
whole White population except the missionaries had 
long taken advantage of the superior situation and capa- 
bilities for communication with the best ship-anchorage. 
His Excellency had also proclaimed another town, to 
be founded at Hokianga, and called " Churchill ;" but 
this was never heard of any more. Some persons 
expressed astonishment at the number of towns about 
to be founded in proportion to the inhabitants of the 
country. 
Colonel Wakefield described his reception by 
Captain Hobson to have been most kind and cour- 
teous ; and constantly expressed a high opinion of his 
private virtues. During his stay at the Bay of 
Islands, he had resided at the Government house at 
Russell. 
A French frigate and whaler had arrived at the 
Bay of Islands during this period, on their way to 
Banks's Peninsula, where it was proposed to land some 
French emigrants who were on board. This expedi- 
tion had been expected for some time, reports having 
been rife that F" ranee intended to claim possession of 
at least the Middle Island. Even before the proclama- 
tion of British sovereignty in Port Nicholson, we had 
often debated among ourselves as to the necessary 
steps for preventing the extension of French dominion 
over us, and the ratiiication by the chiefs of our infant 
