Chap. V. INTEKVIEW WITH TWO REPUDIATING CHIEFS. 1 35 
they ridiculed the idea of expecting any crop from 
potatoes cut into small pieces. " Bide and see," said 
the old man ; and they waited with anxiety for the 
time of crop ; and the report spread far and wide that 
the old pakeha with the cows was very good and 
brave and industrious, but that he was certainly gone 
porangi, or " mad," for he had cut up his seed potatoes 
before he put them in. " Poor old man!" they said, 
" his troubles must have turned his head, — such a very 
" absurd idea ! " 
But the crop came better than their own from 
whole potatoes ; and they stared, and found that the 
foolish old man could teach them some lessons in 
growing food ; and they soon honoured him as much 
for his knowledge as they had learned to stand in awe 
of his courage and resolution. 
And though they have not yet allowed him to use 
the whole of his section, he has now fifty acres under 
plough cultivation, sends grain and grass-seed enough 
to Wellington to pay for the luxuries which his 
family require, owns several cows and a flock of sheep, 
calls himself the " Laird of PVanganu'i" and gives 
harvest-home festivals. He talked of buying a horse, 
and caring for no man, when I last saw him. 
But, unfortunately, all settlers have not the admira- 
ble qualities of William Gordon Bell, who has indeed 
shown a great example of success against the numerous 
difficulties which staggered lesser men. 
About this time, Te Anaua, who had completely 
repudiated the bargain in which he had taken so large 
a share, came over to pay me a visit, accompanied by 
Mawaiy another chief of Putikiwaranui. Mnwai had 
certainly not been present at the great sale; but he 
had ap])roved of the arrangement warmly, when I first 
visited this place ; and although absent at Wmkanae 
during the actual signing of the deed, he had received 
