Chap. XV. BATTLE OF MANGANUL 401 
district. The White settlers, and the chiefs and the 
natives from whom they bought, appeared and claimed 
the lands. Noble and his tribe also appeared, and 
claimed the same lands for himself and for the Govern- 
ment. 
Like many other natives, however, he had repented 
of his bargain in the two years which had elapsed 
since it was made, so far as to deny that he had sold 
more than a few small portions to the Government. 
The Commissioner was perplexed and refused to 
act, on the plea that he could not decide between the 
Government of Her Majesty and Her Majesty's sub- 
jects ; indeed, it appears that he was afraid of an out- 
break among the natives, who were highly excited : 
at all events, he consulted his own safety and left the 
scene of strife. The natives also dispersed, without 
coming to any amicable arrangement; but, on the 
contrary, with the full understanding that war alone 
could terminate the dispute. Each party summoned 
their followers and allies to the number of 5000 or 
6000 on both sides. And notwithstanding the 
fact that most of the chiefs in command had signed the 
Treaty of TVaitangt, and that most of the assembled 
natives were professed Christians, the earnest entreaties 
and remonstrances of the Bishop, and of the Missionaries 
headed by the Rev. Henry Williams, had been unavail- 
ing to prevent a pitched battle, which ended in the 
slaughter of upwards of 50 natives, including 15 great 
chiefs, and the total defeat and fight of Noble and 
the rest of his party. 
VOL. II. 2 D 
