Chap. XVII. EXPECTATIONS OF A FORAY. 453 
The Ngatiniaka natives, invited to a general con- 
ference between the invading party and the inhabitants 
of If^anganui, were preparing to ascend the river in 
large numbers ; and Messrs. Mason and Matthews de- 
termined to accompany them, in hopes of being able 
to prevent the further advance of the war-party, and 
to persuade them to return peacefully to their homes. 
On a former visit, 1 had seen the arrival at Tui'oas 
village of a deputation from Tmipo, announcing the 
preparations for the expedition. ]\Ir. Matthews had 
taken me over to hear their speeches, and had begged 
me to join with him in recommending the old chief to 
dissuade his allies from their warlike purpose, and in 
assuring him that the Governor would certainly inter- 
fere to prevent a war, even among themselves, and that 
if this was done perhaps bloodshed would ensue be- 
tween the races. Thinking that this was really the 
intention of the Government, I had seconded Mr. 
Matthews's views to the best of my power ; and had, 
after warning Turoa of my intention, informed Mr. 
Murphy of the approaching events when I returned 
to Wellington ; and advised him, when he asked my 
opinion, to send the detachment of soldiers up to 
TVanganid, if he really thought it his duty to stop the 
strife. Lieutenant Best, however, had for various 
reasons refused to be detached by the Police Magistrate 
without the authority of his commanding officer at 
Auckland; and there the ajBPair rested. 
Turoa now taunted me very much with my former 
statement ; and told me he heard that the Governor 
would not even leave the troops at Poneke. I took 
the best course, and acknowledged to him that I had 
mistaken the intentions of the authorities. He also, 
and all his train, prepared to join the conference. I 
determined to attend it too, and to be guided very much 
