Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/14

 and by the truculence of their general behaviour.

They were most insistent in demanding rent from him. This he never yielded to, knowing well that had he done so he would have subjected himself to numerous other extortions. Fortunately for himself, my father was very firm, and soon acquired a knowledge of the Native character. Having once passed his word he adhered to it, whether the dictum happened to be in his own interest, or in theirs, and it was not long before they recognised that whilst he was not to be moved, he was to be trusted. This acquired for him, in course of time, a great reputation as a judge or arbitrator, and he was frequently occupied in settling disputes among themselves. My father was scrupulously careful in money matters with the Maoris, paying them what was their due directly it became due, and by this means got them in the main to respond by working faithfully for him. He paid them in gold and silver coin, and unless payment were made by this medium they would not recognise it, hence when a little afterwards the Union Bank was established the greatest difficulty was experienced in getting the