Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/47

 attitude he took (backed up by a French man-of-war in these waters) there is little doubt that the plot hatched by Bukanui and his rapscallions would soon have been fully fledged, and every white settler in Canterbury massacred. This man was Tuhawaiki, more widely known amongst Europeans as “Bloody Jack.” I can well remember him, for he was frequently a guest in my father’s house. He was tall and powerfully built, with handsome features and a stately carriage. He spoke English exceptionally well, and conducted himself at table like one who had the advantages of civilisation. He was brave and resourceful, and, alike for tactics and personal prowess, was easily the finest warrior in the South Island. Tuhawaiki’s great rival was Te Rauparaha, the cunning and relentless chief from the North Island, whose raids along these coasts are historical. On the last of these occasions Te Rauparaha, having evaded Tuhawaiki, returned northwards with his warriors. Tuhawaiki pursued him hotly and overtook him on this side of Cook’s Straits. I distinctly recollect Tuhawaiki describing to my father the details of this pursuit. He said that by scouting he satisfied himself that Te