Page:Overland Journey of the Governor of New Zealand.djvu/35

Rh At Mangarewa, in the heart of the forest, the Governor found triumphal arches erected in his honour by the Maoris employed on the road, who received him with shouts and chants of welcome. The party engaged in blasting rocks saluted his approach by firing several charges, which echoed like cannon-shots through the grand primeval forest. One of the working parties was headed by Ngatote, a brother of Kereopa, who was executed in January last for murder and rebellion.

Five miles from Tauranga the Governor was met by the Volunteer Cavalry of that town and district, who escorted him past the famous Gate Pa to the wharf, where the "Luna" lay at anchor, and where he was received by Mr. McLean and a guard of honour of the Rifle Volunteers. It may be remarked that the Volunteers at Tauranga comprise one-fifth of the entire population of the district—men, women, and children. This is as if the Volunteers in the United Kingdom numbered six millions instead of two hundred thousand.

April 18.—The morning was spent in visiting the cemetery, where the officers and men of the Imperial forces killed at the Gate Pa in 1864 were interred, and in transacting business with several Maori chiefs. The Ngaiterangis, who fought so bravely against the English in the late war, are now the firm friends and allies of the Government. Two of their chiefs volunteered to escort the Governor overland to Ohinemuri by the difficult Katikati pass, so long closed to Europeans. Accordingly the "Luna," leaving Tauranga