'
As his vessel touched the Wanganui shore, a Maori was seen scouring along
it, in desperate haste. Behind, there raced a thread of enemies, Maoris
on the war-path, but the man plunged into the surf before they could
overtake him. Sir George imagined that here was another messenger, with
information from the little Wanganui garrison of British soldiers. It was
necessary he should hear tidings without a moment's delay, and he jumped
into the ship's boat, which had been lowered to pick up the swimmer. The
latter was pulled into it dripping wet, and in a rare state of
excitement.
He seized Sir George, to salute him in Maori fashion, and the roll of the
boat sent them both sprawling among the thwarts. Not minding that, the
Maori kept vigorously rubbing the nose of his Excellency, who made the
plaintive comment, 'I could not help myself. Besides, I had no grievance,
unless that the Maori was using up, with his nose, precious minutes, to
which he might better have given his tongue. That's an unusual compliment
to pay the latter human member.'
The Wanganui crisis was settled by a show of strength, and a shrewd
ukase, for Sir George set himself against more fighting. The recalcitrant
Maoris had been accustomed to come down the river to trade, getting in
return, sugar, tobacco, and other dainty necessaries.
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