PUBLIC ASSEMBLY. 
22 i 
the restraints of the laws were imposed, and their 
penalties enforced, they were determined to with¬ 
stand them. It was also reported that they were 
armed, and intended to resist all attempts to en¬ 
force their obedience. 
After a short declaration, it was proposed to go 
and address them first with kindness, but firmness, 
inviting them to return; that if they accepted the 
invitation, well; if not, that they should attempt to 
bind them, and bring them back; that if they re¬ 
sisted, to use force, but by no means to have re¬ 
course to arms, unless they should be first assaulted. 
This was acceded to by all present. The men 
repaired for their arms, and in half an hour the 
greater part of the inhabitants of the district assem¬ 
bled in front of the chief's house, ready to set out 
as soon as he should lead them. 
Before they started, Taua, a tall well-made 
chief, who had formerly been a warrior and a 
priest, and who was one of their orators, stood up 
in the midst, and addressed the assembly. His 
person was commanding, his features masculine, 
his head uncovered, and his hair short, black, 
and slightly curled. A mantle of finely woven 
bark was thrown loosely over his shoulders, his 
loins were girded with a purau, and in his hand he 
held a light spear. 
He spoke with considerable judgment and effect. 
They might as well, he said, leave their weapons 
at home, as to any use which he expected they 
would be required to make of them, but that still 
it was perhaps best to go prepared, and to shew 
these misguided young men, especially the king's 
two sons, that it was their determination to make 
the laws, to which they had openly agreed, the 
rule of public conduct, to maintain them as they 
