388 ADVENTURE IN NEW ZEALAND. Chap. XV. 
should be investigated. Rauperaha said that Mr. 
Spain would inquire into and settle the business in a 
little while. Mr. Thompson explained, that Mr. Spain's 
business lay in deciding as to land-claims ; that this 
was a question about destruction of property, and had 
nothing to do with the ownership of the Pf^airau. 
Rauperaha requested to have the matter decided on 
the spot ; and professed his readiness to make the com- 
pensation to Mr. Cotterell required by the Magistrates, 
provided their decision pleased him. Mr. Thompson 
replied, that the case must be heard on board the Go- 
vernment brig, whither Rauperaha must accompany 
him. On Rauperaha s reiterated refusal to comply 
with this proposal, put in direct terms to him, Mr. 
Thompson declared he would compel him, Rauperaha 
said he did not want to fight ; but that if the White 
people fought he would fight too. Mr. Thompson, 
pointing to the armed men, threatened that he and his 
party should be fired upon. Sixteen natives imme- 
diately sprang to their feet and presented fire-arms. 
Rangihaeata now came forward, and vehemently defied 
the Magistrates and their power; exclaiming, that "they 
" did not go to England to interfere with the White 
" people, and demanding why the latter came there to 
" interfere with them." The conversation now became 
very rapid and violent; and Puaha, who by frequently 
attempting to intercede seems only to have rendered 
matters worse, stepped forward with his Bible in his 
hand, and prayed that there might be no strife. At 
last, Mr. Thompson called out, " Captain England, 
" let the men advance." 
The conference with the chiefs lasted about twenty 
minutes or half an hour. Great trouble was taken to 
explain to them the non-connexion of these proceedings 
with the land-claims ; and every assurance was given 
