Chap. XIII. LIEUT. SHOETLAND AT WELLINGTON. 325 
Mrs. Shortland were asked to every ball and dinner- 
party. They were taken to see the Hutt, now in its 
golden beauty ; and they were placed in the front seat 
of the grand stand at the anniversary races. The Act- 
ing Governor was invited to dine at the Club, which 
had never happened to the late Governor ; and his 
levee was very fully attended. He was altogether treated 
with great confidence and good feeling. I really believe 
that he was at this time well inclined to do justice to 
the Cook's Strait settlers ; but of the two subordinates 
w^ho had ruled the former Governor, the more influen- 
tial one exercised a similar sway over him who had 
succeeded to the reins of power ; and by such a sway 
the best of intentions must have been withered. 
H.M.S. Favourite again called in at the same time 
on her way home from Sydney ; and carried to England 
a batch of letters full of the sanguine hopes which were 
generally prevalent. 
His Excellency at least conferred one substantial 
benefit on the town, by directing the erection of a sub- 
stantial and roomy gaol. Numerous escapes had re- 
cently proved the perfect inefiiciency of the Maori hut 
and its stockade. 
The Wellington Almanack was first published this 
year ; and cheese began to be made in the colony with 
tolerable success. 
The third anniversary was celebrated with great 
eclat ; 150/. having been subscribed for the amuse- 
ments, and a large concourse of natives having been 
persuaded by Mr. Halswell and others to join in the 
diversions. A remarkable scene ensued. 
E Mare, the chief of the JVgatimutunga, who had six 
or seven years before forsaken this place for the Chat- 
ham Islands, and his eldest son, had been here some time 
concerting mysteriously with JS TaJro and the Te Aro 
natives as to maintaining their claims to the land ; 
