It was Rewi who flung, from a besieged pa, the defiant
message that the Maoris would never surrender, that they would fight "For
ever, For ever, For ever!" I am inclined to believe that he put himself
at the head of the raid upon Sir John Gorst, in order to be able to
protect him from any hurt,'
Be that as it might, Rewi and the raiders were determined that Sir John
Gorst should depart the 'king country.' They pronounced this verdict upon
him with every ceremony, and his answer was equally determined. It was:
'Nothing but a direct order from Sir George Grey shall induce me to leave
my post.' At that, Rewi granted time for a reference to the Governor, who
instructed Sir John Gorst to withdraw. Had it been otherwise; or had the
order lagged, Sir John would most likely have shared the fate of 'The
Lonely Sparrow on the House Top!' The sword proved mightier than the pen
in that duel.
And despite Sir George Grey's efforts, the sword was again to be drawn
over a wide area of New Zealand. A particular land dispute, which meant
cleavage with the confederated Maoris, had been gnawing its way along.
Sir George investigated it, reached the decision that the Maori claim was
just, and made up his mind to rescind the purchase. He was not autocrat
now, as he had been before, the New Zealand constitution which he had
drafted, being in operation.
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