Chap, XVni. SIR E. HOME'S NARRATTVE. 477 
" by him, his whole time was occupied in travelling 
" up and down the coast endeavouring to allay the 
" irritation of the natives, and to prevent any ill con- 
'* sequence arising from the provoking language and 
" threats with which they were continually annoyed 
" by the Europeans passing backwards and forwards. 
" That for himself, he believed them to be lies invented 
" by the White men ; having been assured by the 
" Police Magistrate that no steps would be taken until 
" the arrival of the new Governor, or the pleasure of 
" the Queen was known. This account I have re- 
" ceived from Captain Best, who was present and 
" understands the language. 
" He also declared that they all stood in fear of the 
" White men ; and asked why I had come, if it was 
" not to fight with and destroy them, for they had 
*' been told that was my intention. I told them, that 
" the Queen's ships went to all parts of the world, and 
" that my object was to preserve peace rather than 
•' make war ; and he was advised to believe no reports 
" which he might hear, but to inquire into the truth 
" of them of Major Richmond, through Mr. Clarke or 
" Mr. Hadfield. The afiair of the PFairau was in no 
" way touched upon. After this, the assembly broke 
" up ; and Te Ruuperaha being sent for to Mr. Had- 
" field's house, he was asked to write a letter to the 
" principal person at Forirua, desiring him to give up 
" the Company's boat, which had been taken at the 
" TVairau, when called for. He said, that he had 
" little influence there, but that he had all along 
" wished the boat to be returned; for as long as it 
'* remained in their hands, it would be a bone of con- 
" tention and must cause trouble." 
Nothing appears to have been said about the arms, 
clothes, watches, rings, handcuffs, or tent ; although 
Messrs. Clarke and Macdonogh, who " had visited all 
