Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image

Pages 1-20 of 38

Pages 1-20 of 38

Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image
Page image

Pages 1-20 of 38

Pages 1-20 of 38

English
We had our evening repast, and some further conversation to satisfy our inquisitive neighbours; and retired to rest, to be prepared for the next day's Journey. Mr. Webster takes his leave of us. Several of the Ngamotu natives are seen coming along. A letter has been received by Mr. Turton, from the Rev. J. Whitely, acquainting him that he had used his utmost exertions to have the Taue returned, but was unsuccessful. We hear, also, Mr. Turton is on his way after us, though he had told me on the Sunday evening he would not be likely to come till he had heard from the Rev. J. Skevington, of Waimate, what was going on at Waitotara river, where the natives of Ngarauri and Ngatiruanui were assembling, at the Pa known as Ihupuku on said river; which was the place that the Taupo natives wished to attack. As we moved along the road after Morning Service, we were accompanied by the natives from every settlement, as we passed along; all moving onwards to the assistance of -- as we were given to learn - their defeated friends; with the greatest regularity and good order; the whole scene having more the appearance of a funeral procession in Great Britain, accompanied by a Rev. gentleman, appropriately dressed in his black coat, with white neck-cloth, to perform the religious ceremonies attendant on scenes of death; than people who had known nothing of religion and civilization, a few years past; moving onwards so quietly, to what they expected would be a scene of defensive warfare. It raised many happy thought in my mind, to think how great a change has been effected amongst the New Zealanders, within the last few years. Slept the evening at -----. After breakfast, when we were taking down our tent, I received a note from Mr. Turton, complaining that his natives had left him behind; and that he had been a whole day wanting food, lost his road, was very ill, and requested I should send the natives back to Ngamotu, when I should meet them;as he considered himself too weakly to continue his journey. His horse was also a sufferer, as well as the master. I immediately sent off a native to meet Mr. Turton, with some biscuits, arrowroot and sugar, - as much as we could spare, our supply being slender, as we did not wish to load our boys heavily. Before this native got his length, he was in sight of our tent, had changed his mind, and rode up to us. As he recovered, he thought he would be able to pursue his journey. This day the natives were not coming on as speedily as we would wish, there being some old fable men amongst them that were great warriors in their day and whose council and advice was most important on the present occasion, in the guidance of their younger and less experienced followers. We therefore moved onwards, and got several miles ahead of our tribes, who did not wish to see us leaving them; some having followed us a long way to receive advice. We told our motives for leaving was to see Heu Heu's party as soon as possible, and know what his determination was; then we should be better able to give them further advice. That, they said, was very considerate, and quite fell into our views on parting for the time. They bid good-bye in a most feeling manner, and saying, - "We now place ourselves entirely in your hands." Having replied to them that their interests were our study, but that we should act as impartial mediators betwixt them all, we left them and pursued our journey to Kaupukunui, where we had some difficulty to procure food for our natives, there being only a few old women living there, who would not willingly part with any; Keeping all for the opi, or the great body of natives, perhaps 500 in number, that were coining behind. Having shared some of our own stores with our native attendants that night, I went to pay the greedy old ladies a visit in the morning. - and in very plain terms I told them that they were treating us in a very unhospitable manner; when we, in a most friendly manner, asked them for food; not for ourselves, but our faithful attendants; and as we offered and intended to make a payment for what we had, they must have no further excuse, but provide an immediate supply of food. There was general moving round among the old dames, and one was blaming the other for inhospitality, till they had all shared the same stigma in turn, when it turned out that they were all to blame, and each desirous that they should be considered liberal;- a good supply was furnished, of Tutu wine and potatoes for our natives, for which we gave some tobacco, and left there, for Waimate. On the way we met Mr. Skevington's servant, and a woman belonging to New Plymouth, returning, who carried letters back for us, that we had written on our hats and knees, the best we could. Dined at the Rev. J. Skevington's, where Mr. Turton remained with Mrs. Skevington, who was quite alone, Mr. Skevington having been at the Ihupuku with his natives, and trying to mediate and reconcile the Heu Hey whom he visited at Wanganui. After dinner we continued our journey, and met the Puketapu tribe, who waited for us according to promise of the 5th. inst., Having conversed some time with them, our natives were very fatigued, and some of them would go no further. We, however, determined on going onwards with little delay; and as they would not all come along, I carried my tent on my back, exchanging occasionally with Mr. Bolland, till it was too dark to go further. Put up our tent by a small stream, and slept there for the night. Our natives were much alarmed, fearing an attack should be made on them at night; and concealed themselves in the long ferns and bushes that were growing near our tent. Slept at Okana. Letter from Messrs. Skevington for me. In moving onwards and passing through to the different native settlements, we were kindly welcomed; and our names resounded throughout the Pa's, from end to end, with he welcome cry of - "Haere mai" Haere mai", and wishing us luck in our mission. Slept in bush. Arrived at Ihupuku about 8 o'clock in the morning. Before we approached the Pa, we were met by a band of armed natives, who considered we were the enemy approaching; came up in rather an unpleasant manner to us, till they heard our names, and all was smiling and gladness. We were conducted up a steep road to the Pa, where we found Mr. Skevington, who had finished Morning Prayers with the natives, who were about 300 in number, and round us in all directions, repeating our names in a most loud manner, and giving us a kind welcome. Mr. Skevington told us what had taken place; that Heu Heu was at Wanganui, but had not as yet been successful in carrying out his intention of taking the Pa. Our meeting with Mr. Skevington was a pleasant one. as we had heard from him that the natives were likely to come to terms without fighting. Mr. Bolland leaves this evening for Wanganui; and I remain at Ihupuku with the natives. to whom I was introduced by Mr. Skevington. Mr. Turton arrived from Patea, about half past five o'clock. Attended Church with a congregation of about 400 natives. The natives anxiously enquiring after information. Started at an early hour this morning to Wanganui, leaving Messrs. Skevington and Turton to come after they had caught their horses. They overtook me within a few miles of Wanganui, at which place we ----- (N.B. ends abruptly at this point.) Received intelligence this morning from Whania of Taranaki, who came expressly to acquaint the Rev. Bolland and myself that a Pa near Wanganui had been beseiged; and wished to have our consent and advice as to whether the Taranaki tribe would be justified in going to the assistance of the native relatives; and earnestly, on behalf of himself and all the tribes along the coast, requested our interference. He had travelled a distance of forty miles in eight hours, to acquaint us of what he had heard; after which he returned home. I attended Church as usual and conferred with Mr. Bolland after Church time, telling him that I had fully made up my mind to start without loss of time, to Wanganui; and thought it might be well for him to come also; as his influence with the tribes of Taranaki connected with the Church Mission, might have a good effect. He agreed to be ready at an early hour on Monday. This evening several natives called on me for advice, as to their coming with me to Wanganui. About 12 o'clock at night about 60 of the Puketapu tribe, who had come from Otumatua, roused me from sleep, singing out at my bed-room window, - "Te Makarini", or "Mr, McLean" several times. I had heard their first call, but did not answer till I had prepared myself. They had most lovely torches lighting in their hands; and the scene was most affecting, in wettish, drisly night, as it was; some carrying their children on their backs. Having previously duly remembered the Sabbath, had then come to seek for advice as to what they were to do. I was then prepared to answer them, and told them, - "Go in peace, and be guided by your Minister; and I will be there along with you." To this they answered, - "Come, come along with us." I could not do this, as they were taking a road through the bush, and I wished to visit the natives along the Coast. I told them as they had themselves determined to go to Wanganui, I would just request them to wait at Waimate for my arrival there, should they be before me, as they were taking a shorter road by 30 miles. This they agreed to, and went quickly to their houses and homes. At half past four in the morning, I was preparing my luggage and provisions for the journey to Wanganui. Wrote a letter to the Chief Protector, acquainting him that I was then on my journey for the scene of strife, to meet the Taupao's; and hoped my visit would be attended with good results; after which my natives get their packs on their backs and started. Called at Mr. Bolland's, who came along with me, From the village several natives followed us; also James Webster Esq. who came along with us the first day's journey. Ewaka, one of the Ngamotu Chiefs, strongly advised his people, who came with us, to place themselves entirely under our control and guidance. In coming along the Coast, we heard many reports about Heu Heu's proceedings, which we did not give credence to; knowing how apt natives are to exaggerate matters like the present. Stopped at . . . . . for dinner, after which we came on to -----. Had our tents erected; Evening Service, with a congregation of upwards of 100 natives, who were crowding round us for news and information; wishing particularly to know how they were to act with some profligate and intolerable characters amongst them, who had committed many serious crimes, adultery, etc., and wished to know if they ought to be allowed to accompany the rest to meet Heu Heu; stating that if they went, it would be inconsistent with their ancient customs. The settlement of these questions was undertaken by Mr. Bolland, as their Pastor; and those not engaged in discussing this matter had long and interesting conversations with me on various inferesting subjects; which would almost, from their simplicity and humourous manner, impress the idea that peace had been declared, and war-faring was at an end.
This article text was automatically generated and may include errors. View the full page to see article in its original form.
Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/manuscripts/MCLEAN-1015764.2.1

Bibliographic details

38 pages written 1845-1845 by Sir Donald McLean, Diary and notebook

Additional information
Key Value
Document date 6 September 1845
Document MCLEAN-1015764
Document title 38 pages written 1845-1845 by Sir Donald McLean
Document type MANUSCRIPT
Attribution ATL
Author 4809/McLean, Donald (Sir), 1820-1877
Collection McLean Papers
Date 1845-01-01
Decade 1840s
Destination Unknown
Englishorigin ATL
Entityid 1
Format Full Text
Generictitle 38 pages written 1845-1845 by Sir Donald McLean
Iwihapu Unknown
Language English
Name 4809/McLean, Donald (Sir), 1820-1877
Origin Unknown
Place Unknown
Recipient Unknown
Section Manuscripts
Series Series 5 Diaries and notebooks
Sortorder 0192-0003
Subarea Manuscripts and Archives Collection
Tapuhigroupref MS-1195
Tapuhiitemcount 1
Tapuhiitemcount 2 100
Tapuhiitemcount 3 30238
Tapuhiitemdescription Includes diary entries for 5-12 January 1845, describing McLean's preparations for a journey to Wanganui and his experiences on the way. It includes mentions of Europeans and Maori who accompanied him or who he met. The back section contains copies and summaries of letters, including one to John Whiteley and one to Richard Taylor, notes, and a detailed summary of a case heard between a Mr Spencer and Puketapu Maori.
Tapuhiitemgenre 3 230058/Personal records Reports
Tapuhiitemiwihapu 53425/Taranaki (Taranaki Iwi)
Tapuhiitemname 31813/Bolland, William (Rev), 1819-1847
Tapuhiitemname 3 4809/McLean, Donald (Sir), 1820-1877
Tapuhiitemplace 65372/Wanganui District
Tapuhiitemref MS-1195
Tapuhiitemref 2 Series 5 Diaries and notebooks
Tapuhiitemref 3 MS-Group-1551
Tapuhiitemsubjects 3 1446/New Zealand Wars, 1860-1872
Tapuhiitemtitle Diary and notebook
Tapuhiitemtitle 2 Series 5 Diaries and notebooks
Tapuhiitemtitle 3 McLean Papers
Tapuhipiecedescription Includes diary entries for 5-12 January 1845, describing McLean's preparations for a journey to Wanganui and his experiences on the way. It includes mentions of Europeans and Maori who accompanied him or who he met. The back section contains copies and summaries of letters, including one to John Whiteley and one to Richard Taylor, notes, and a detailed summary of a case heard between a Mr Spencer and Puketapu Maori.
Tapuhipieceref MS-1195
Tapuhipiecetitle Diary and notebook
Tapuhireelref MS-COPY-MICRO-0664-1
Teipb 1
Teiref ms-1284-067
Year 1845

38 pages written 1845-1845 by Sir Donald McLean Diary and notebook

38 pages written 1845-1845 by Sir Donald McLean Diary and notebook

Log in or create a Papers Past website account

Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.

By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.

Log in with RealMe®

If you’ve used a RealMe login somewhere else, you can use it here too. If you don’t already have a username and password, just click Log in and you can choose to create one.


Log in again to continue your work

Your session has expired.

Log in again with RealMe®


Alert