The Treaty of Waitangi; or, how New Zealand became a British ColonyBuick, Thomas Lindsay
History
The Treaty of Waitangi; or, how New Zealand became a British Colony
Buick, Thomas Lindsay
New Zealand -- Politics and government; Treaty of Waitangi (1840)
The all-important step having now been taken and received with local
approbation, the _Herald_ weighed anchor and sailed for
Kapiti[144]. Two days later (June 19), she arrived under the shadow of
Te Rauparaha's home. By a fortunate circumstance the great chief, whom
Major Bunbury had special instructions to see, was at that moment
entering his canoe, preparatory to making an excursion to the Island
of Mana. As the _Herald's_ boat was proceeding to the shore the
Queen's Commissioner and the chief met mid way, the meeting being of
the most cordial nature. Te Rauparaha left his own canoe "in lordly
decoration the lordliest far," and returned on board with Major
Bunbury in the ship's boat. Here the proceedings of the Rev. Henry
Williams were related by the chiefs--how he had explained the treaty,
obtained Te Rauparaha's signature, and presented him with the
much-prized blanket.
On enquiry being made by Major Bunbury for Te Rangihaeata and Te Hiko,
he was informed that both these warriors were at Mana. As this Island
lay directly in the route to Port Nicholson, the _Herald_ was put
about and her course shaped towards the south. Under a fresh wind the
vessel was soon abreast of Mana. The chief and Mr. Williams
accompanied Major Bunbury on shore, where they found Te Rangihaeata
but Te Hiko was absent on an expedition to the mainland.
No record appears to have been preserved of the negotiations which
followed between the representative of the Crown and the two leaders
of the Ngati-Toa tribe. Major Bunbury contents himself with informing
us that "the chief Rangihaeata, after some time, returned with us on
board, accompanied by Rauparaha, when both signed the treaty."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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