That was incorrect, for he wisely
wanted to test the armour before trusting himself in it. But the English
settlers, just beginning to arrive in Wellington, were disturbed lest the
tribe should fall foul of the representatives of a country which has
produced so treacherous a suit of mail.'
Knowledge of arms, on the part of the Maoris, had advanced; indeed, they
were in no wise tardy to pit themselves against British troops. Their own
success, or rather the want of success of the British, had brought about
this state of feeling. Careful, direct study of the situation, upheld Sir
George in the intuition that he must strike firmly at the rebellion, and
take every civil step that would tend to lay it. He stopped the sale of
arms to the natives, though for another reason than that advanced by Te-
Whero-Whero. Some fancied that his action might occasion discontent, if
not revolt, among the friendly Maoris. 'Well,' was his answer, 'if that
is a risk, we must run it.'
He gripped the nettle of land dealing, as between whites and natives,
admonishing: 'The State shall conduct it. Then, it will be seen what the
Maori has to sell, and the European will be made certain of a proper
title. We shall have a regular system, the State standing between the
parties to secure that all is fair.
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