Chap. XIII. MANAWATU.—RANGITIKEL 9FP 
standing the rip caused by a fresh sea-breeze against the 
strong ebb. They could, however, supply us with no 
provisions, as they were only visitors like ourselves, 
from a settlement near the gorge of the Manawatu ; 
and were themselves living on the flesh of a stranded 
whale, which had induced them to come down to the 
sea. They had collected the whalebone for barter 
with Europeans, and were trying out a small stock of 
oil for their home consumption in two or three iron 
pots. On a stage in the pa were several baskets of 
potatoes ; and I proposed to take one, leaving some to- 
bacco in its place according to native custom ; but the 
whalers discouraged this proposal, saying that they 
knew the owner had reserved them for seed, and would 
be angry at their being taken, even if amply paid for. 
So we were obliged to be satisfied with some of our 
biscuit and salt meat. 
The next day we reached Ra7igitikei, about thirteen 
miles further along the same desolate-looking coast. 
The small stockaded pa on the south bank was quite 
deserted, and the very houses which had formerly 
sheltered my large party on the opposite side seemed 
to have been removed. We fired two or three shots, 
hoping to attract some natives, as our stock of pro- 
visions was running low, and there were no pota- 
toes on any of the stages ; but we received no answer. 
Little Heuheu, my slave, now suggested that we 
should sound for a potato-pit ; and the ramrods were 
accordingly stuck into the earth in every probable nook 
of the pa. The lad at last pounced upon an abundant 
store, and we filled two large baskets with the potatoes, 
which were remarkable for their size and quality. 
Just before dusk, I observed the bushy heads of 
two natives stealing a look at our proceedings from 
behind a low fern-covered ridge on the opposite bank. 
