the encampment they saw approaching them an officer-bearer of the high priest of the Pai Marire, and who was so much under the infatuated belief of the power of his god, that he, regardless of all danger, thought that by approaching the party it would be the means of preventing their progress towards the tribe; but in this he was of course disappointed. The party no sooner saw the antics which this crazy man was practising Hohepa jumped from his horse to obtain a weapon in the shape of an Irish shillelagh, in order, as he told me, that if he should find this impostor to be of the Waikato or Taranaki tribe, that he would, if he could, leave him low on the road; it happening to be a Ngaitirangi native, the poor fellow escaped uninjured. Whilst all this was going on in Hohepa ’ s mind, the bold and intrepid Enoka spurred his steed on at full speed, and had not this poor infatuated priest stepped aside, there is no doubt but he would have been ridden down. Hohepa was not to be left behind, and was soon up with Enoka, when they espied the encampment of those fanatics, who no doubt were wondering within themselves how it was possible that any person not connected with them could be permitted by their god to approach so near to their camp.

Enoka, bold and intrepid, rode on again at full speed until he reached the encampment; the people were all standing bowing and worshipping the flag which was waving on the top of a high staff, the staff itself was held sacred, and, consequently, was equally venerated and respected by them; the people were astounded at the daring of Enoka, still they continued to murmur something that was quite unintelligible both to the Maoris and Mr Clarke, whilst Enoka was in the act of fastening his horse to the sacred flagstaff, Hohepa rode up, regardless of consequences, leaving his horse to the mercy of the Pai Mirires, mounted the flagstaff, and in less than no time had their sacred flag flourishing in his hand, much to the astonishment and indignation of the Pai Mirire devotees.

Whilst this was going on, Enoka ’ s attention was directed to one of their priests, who was leading, or rather pretending to conduct an evening religious service; he held in his hand a sheet of paper, which Enoka seized out of his hand, a copy of which I enclose.

Karakia mo te ahiahi

Kia Whakaka rotia koe e

I hoa i rung rawa - tau te

Korone - tau te kone - tau terire rire.

Ko tite Pata mai rire Ko _______

Ko ______________ to; rire rire

Ko tite kori koti tangi korei maime rire

Ko _______

Ko ______________ to; rire rire

Kororia me te pata; ko te rau

Mikaere mai Pata, ko te

Kororia, nui oropata

He ma ko te kororia, kororia, to rire rire

Kia tohu koe e I hoa i tau

Ini e whakatuha whotia

a koe i te ao tau te korone rire rire.