Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/46

 Another local chief worthy of mention is Isaiah. He was living in Pigeon Bay when we arrived there. Although he was not a chief of high caste, he was mutually respected by Whites and Maoris. He was reserved, but conscientious and straightforward in his dealings, and did a good deal of contract work for my father, always fulfilling his obligations and giving satisfaction. Isaiah left the Bay and settled at Kaiapoi, where he died some time after the arrival of the first four ships.

Bukanui has already been referred to. He was cruel and inclined to be treacherous. In his later years his character improved, and he always regretted his connection with the threatened massacre of the white settlers.

Taiaroa was the principal chief in the southern part of the island in the early days, and Te-mai-hara-o-nui held supreme power on the Peninsula.

Of all the Maoris who came into touch with the whalers and early settlers there is one who towers above his fellows in rectitude, intelligence, and physique. It is hardly too much to say that the pioneers of Canterbury owed their lives to him, for, had it not been for his timely interference, and the firm