Page:Old Westland (1939).pdf/70

52 The discovery is thus graphically described by the traveller in his journal:—

“This morning we freighted our canoes with provisions, clothes, and fishing apparatus. I considered myself on board the admiral’s canoe, which was the largest and first to start, having in company three others. The names of the canoes that ascended the river with me were Te Wairakou, with myself and nine natives; Te Maikai, with my four natives and Aperahama; Te Paiekau, with two natives carrying nets, etc., for fishing; and Te Matamata, with four natives; so I think I am well equipped, considering I had nothing to give the natives for all their trouble, except good wishes.

“There was much crying when I left, and apparently some good feeling towards me. They told me to return amongst them and share what they had, and, although tobacco is very much valued among them, they offered me two sticks, the half of all their stock.

“It is really an exciting scene to see four canoes poling and paddling up a fine stream on a clear day. We came up about five miles of the river, and camped at an old fishing station, prettily placed on an island called ‘Moutapu,’ which rises about 100 feet above the level of the river. At this point the river is confined between two low black birch hills, part of the coast range.